The Minister of Information: Houthi militia replicates practices of Al-Qaeda and ISIS by using UN staff as leverage for pressure and extortion.

The Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar al-Eryani, has condemned the ongoing abduction of Samy Al-Kalabi, an employee of the United Nations Special Envoy’s office in Yemen. The Houthi militia, backed by Iran, has held Al-Kalabi for nearly six months, denying him communication with his family and concealing his fate. This situation arose after the militia raided his home on June 6, confiscating personal belongings and violating international laws and agreements.

Continued Detention of UN Personnel

In a recent press statement, al-Eryani highlighted that since early June, dozens of UN staff members, including three women, remain in the custody of the Houthi militia in the capital, Sana’a. This alarming trend follows a wave of abductions targeting international and local organizations, leaving these individuals in poor conditions without any serious efforts for their release.

Violations of International Law

Al-Eryani emphasized that the ongoing detention and torture of these individuals not only constitute war crimes but also violate the principle of non-civilians being used as political leverage. He pointed out that such actions blatantly disregard international laws and agreements designed to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. Furthermore, he noted that the Houthi militia shows little concern for the disastrous impact of its actions on the already dire economic and humanitarian situations in the areas under its control.

Lack of International Response

While the international community had anticipated a firm stance and decisive measures against the perpetrators, al-Eryani expressed disappointment at the lack of action. Instead of holding Houthi leaders accountable for the violence and arbitrary detention of UN employees, international organizations appear to engage in discussions with militia leaders, seemingly indifferent to the suffering of the victims and their families.

Escalation of Houthi Aggression

Al-Eryani warned that the Houthi militia interprets the international community’s inaction as a green light to escalate its oppressive measures against international and humanitarian organizations operating in its territories. This has led to alarming incidents where militia members storm offices of international organizations, detaining employees en masse and accusing them of espionage. Such tactics resemble those used by terrorist groups to manipulate and extort.

Call for Accountability

Al-Eryani asserted that the ongoing failure of the international community to take effective action against the Houthi militia promotes a culture of impunity. He warned that this could set a dangerous precedent in other conflict zones, threatening the security and stability of various nations. He urged the international community, including the United Nations and relevant organizations, to reassess their positions and fulfill their legal and moral obligations toward the suffering of abducted employees.

Demands for Designation as a Terrorist Organization

The minister called for an end to these crimes and for the prosecution of those responsible, insisting that the Houthi militia be classified as a “global terrorist organization.” This classification would help ensure accountability and prevent further abuses against humanitarian workers and civilians in Yemen.

The situation remains critical as the international community grapples with how to respond effectively to the ongoing crisis in Yemen, where the Houthi militia continues to undermine peace efforts and humanitarian initiatives.

 

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