Prominent orthopedic doctor kidnapped in Ibb by Houthi militia.

Prominent Orthopedic Doctor Kidnapped by Houthi Militias in Ibb

In a troubling incident that highlights ongoing violations by Houthi militias, Dr. Labib Ba’abed, a leading orthopedic surgeon, was kidnapped on Wednesday. This event occurred just days after he opened a private medical center in the Al-Baadan area, east of Ibb city. Local sources report that he was taken to an unknown location.

Details of the Kidnapping

Sources indicate that the kidnapping stemmed from a tip-off by Jamal Al-Shami, the director of Al-Manar Hospital. The Houthi militia seized control of the hospital through what they refer to as a judicial guardian. Al-Shami accuses Dr. Ba’abed of attracting patients to his new center, which negatively impacted the orthopedic department at the hospital under his management.

Houthi Violations in the Healthcare Sector

Medical reports reveal that since the Houthi militia forcibly took over Al-Manar Hospital, they have compelled doctors to remain within its walls, prohibiting them from working elsewhere. Furthermore, they have launched harassment campaigns against any physician who attempts to leave the hospital or establish a private practice. These violations reflect a systematic policy by the Houthis to dominate the healthcare sector and impose their control.

Houthi Control Over Hospitals in Ibb

Over the past few years, the Houthi militia has seized several hospitals in Ibb city, including Al-Manar, Al-Amin, Dar Al-Shifa, and Al-Khansa. They employ judicial guardianship as part of their strategy to control healthcare services, endangering patients’ lives and restricting doctors’ freedoms.

The kidnapping of Dr. Labib Ba’abed exemplifies a broader pattern of violations against healthcare workers by the Houthi militia. This situation calls for immediate action from the international community to halt these unacceptable practices.

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