The Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism stated that Houthi militias use false slogans to justify their terrorist crimes against Yemenis.

Minister’s Statement on Houthi Activities

Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has accused Houthi militias of coordinating with terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS, under Iranian sponsorship. He stated that these groups have committed unprecedented acts of terrorism, prompting several countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, to classify them as a “terrorist organization.”

The Deceptive Narrative of Fighting ISIS

In a recent press statement, Al-Eryani explained that the Houthi slogan of combating ISIS serves as a façade for their insurgent agenda. This narrative allowed them to present themselves favorably to the world and justify their takeover of Yemeni cities, including the capital, Sana’a, in 2014. However, this slogan quickly revealed itself as a mere pretext for their true goals: consolidating control over Yemen and obscuring their brutal crimes against the Yemeni people.

Ten Years of Violence Under the Guise of Anti-Terrorism

Al-Eryani highlighted that over the past decade, from the provinces of Amran to the districts of Arhab and Hamdan, and extending to Ibb, Taiz, and Hajour in Hajjah, the Houthi militias have consistently used the anti-ISIS narrative to launch violent campaigns against Yemeni tribes. These actions have led to widespread terror among civilians and the destruction of entire regions, all under the pretext of fighting ISIS.

Recent Attacks in Al-Bayda Province

The minister pointed out a recent incident in Al-Bayda province, where the village of “Hankat Al-Mas’oud” faced devastating bombardments. This brutal operation has resulted in loss of life, destruction of homes, and targeting of places of worship. Despite the Houthi claims of pursuing ISIS elements, Al-Eryani noted that their actions against civilians mirror those of terrorist organizations.

Threats to International Navigation and Humanitarian Workers

Furthermore, Al-Eryani condemned the Houthi militias for launching terrorist attacks on commercial ships and oil tankers, posing a significant and unprecedented threat to international navigation and global trade in vital maritime corridors. He also mentioned that they have kidnapped United Nations employees and local and international organization staff, including foreign embassy workers, using them as leverage to pressure and extort the international community.

The Urgency of International Attention

Al-Eryani emphasized that the actions of the Houthis clearly demonstrate that their slogans serve only as a cover for the crimes they commit against civilians. He warned that if the world continues to ignore these atrocities, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen will deepen, casting a long shadow over the lives of the Yemeni people who suffer from the ongoing conflict amid disgraceful international silence.

The situation in Yemen remains dire as the Houthi militias continue to exploit anti-terrorism narratives to justify their violent actions. The international community must take notice and act to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people who endure the consequences of this protracted conflict.

 

To follow the news in Arabic