Iran-backed Houthis launch campaigns of random arrests in central Yemen

Local sources in the city of Ibb said that Houthi gunmen raided neighborhoods in the old city of Ibb and launched a campaign of arbitrary arrests of dozens of young men.

The sources said that the Al-Mashnah Security Department, which is controlled by the Houthis, arrested the activist Khalil Salim with a group of young men, including Ali Al-Qadhi Al-Siyaghi, Mohammed Al-Shaybah, and Dr. Jabr Al-Khawlani.

Charges were leveled against the detainees because of their participation in the funeral of "Al-Mokahal" and on the grounds of incitement against the Houthis.

The sources from Ibb residents confirmed that the Houthis arrested Hossam Abdo, Mohammed Al-Najjar, Haitham Al-Hadhrami, Sami Naseer, Bahjat Al-Sharabi, Haitham Dahaq and Hamdi Al-Hassam.

A group of the city's residents, including women, tried to gather to denounce what the Houthis are doing against the residents of the Old City. They were dispersed by firing live bullets, according to what these sources said. The sources added.

The killing of the activist Hamdi Al-Mokahal led to great public anger in the ancient city of Ibb, and his funeral turned into an angry demonstration against the Houthis.