The Minister of Information stated that the Houthi militia has committed horrific crimes and violations since their coup, comparable to those in Syria.
Houthi Militia's Crimes in Yemen: Minister Calls for International Accountability
Minister Highlights Humanitarian Catastrophe
Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Moammar Al-Eryani, has condemned the actions of the Houthi militia, which he describes as Iranian-backed terrorists. Since their violent takeover of the capital, Sana’a, the Houthis have committed egregious crimes against the Yemeni people. Al-Eryani likened these atrocities to those witnessed in Syria, stating that the destruction has permeated every corner of Yemen, leaving citizens in unbearable conditions.
Impact on Yemeni Lives
In a recent press statement, Al-Eryani detailed the extensive toll the Houthi coup has taken on Yemeni lives. He accused the militia of stripping away security, food, and hope for the future. Instead of fostering peace, the Houthis have instigated wars and crises, creating chaos in regions under their control. Al-Eryani emphasized that their actions represent a blatant violation of international law and human rights.
Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
The minister highlighted the militia’s use of ballistic missiles, drones, and heavy artillery to target civilian areas. Schools, hospitals, markets, and mosques have all suffered attacks, leading to the deaths and injuries of hundreds of thousands, predominantly affecting women, children, and the elderly. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with alarming consequences for innocent civilians.
Systematic Human Rights Violations
Al-Eryani reported that the Houthi militia has engaged in mass abductions and enforced disappearances, affecting tens of thousands, including politicians, journalists, academics, and activists. Victims endure severe abuses, including arbitrary detention, psychological and physical torture, and even slow death. Families face threats and extortion, as the militia seeks to eliminate any resistance to their regime.
Targeting Women and Children
The minister further revealed that the Houthis have kidnapped thousands of women from their homes and workplaces, subjecting them to torture and sexual violence in secret prisons. These acts are part of a broader strategy to silence dissent and intimidate those who oppose the militia’s agenda.
Child Recruitment and Exploitation
Al-Eryani expressed grave concern over the recruitment of children into military ranks. The Houthis have transformed schools into training camps, indoctrinating children with extremist ideologies and teaching them to use weapons. This represents one of the most significant forced recruitment campaigns in modern history.
Landmines and Civilian Casualties
The minister noted the extensive use of landmines by the Houthis, which have turned cities and villages into deadly fields. These mines, often planted indiscriminately in homes, schools, and public spaces, have killed and injured thousands of innocent people, leaving many with permanent disabilities.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
These criminal practices have triggered the largest wave of displacement in Yemen’s history. Millions have fled to refugee camps in liberated areas or sought asylum abroad, facing dire living conditions and daily struggles for survival.
Systematic Poverty and Economic Ruin
The Houthi militia has implemented policies aimed at impoverishing the Yemeni population. They have cut salaries, imposed taxes and levies, and looted private and public properties. This economic sabotage has destroyed livelihoods and educational opportunities, pushing the population further into poverty and humiliation.
Call for International Action
Al-Eryani urged the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities. He called for the prosecution of Houthi leaders and members involved in these crimes before the International Criminal Court, emphasizing the need for justice for the victims. Additionally, he advocated for designating the Houthi militia as a “global terrorist organization” to combat their rampant terrorism effectively.
In conclusion, the ongoing crisis in Yemen demands urgent attention and action from the global community to halt the atrocities committed by the Houthi militia and restore peace and stability to the region.
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