Houthi Militiamen Abduct Local Official in Sanaa

Militiamen affiliated with the Houthi group have abducted a member of the local council in Hajjah Governorate, Yemen, after raiding his home in the capital, Sanaa. The abduction occurred in recent hours and is reportedly linked to social media posts criticizing the group's practices and corruption in areas under its control.

Local sources stated that Houthi militants stormed the residence of Mohammed Ali Al-Qaisi, located behind the Eagle Hotel in Sanaa, and took him to an undisclosed location. His fate and any charges against him remain unknown.

Sources elaborated that Al-Qaisi had previously published posts on social media platforms criticizing the conditions of citizens in Hajjah Governorate and detailing alleged abuses and corruption associated with the militia's administration. It was also noted that he had received prior threats before his abduction.

Efforts by local mediators to secure his release have thus far been unsuccessful, as the Iran-backed Houthi militia has not responded to these appeals. This incident occurs amid an escalating pattern of abductions by the Houthi militia targeting activists, community figures, and local officials in the territories they control.

Critics accuse the group of employing security measures to suppress dissenting voices.