Houthi Militia Injures Child, Blocks Medical Evacuation During Al-Qareh Tribal Siege

Houthi militia elements in Amran Governorate, northern Yemen, shot and wounded a 13-year-old child and subsequently prevented his medical evacuation, marking the latest violation against the members of the Al-Qareh tribe, which has been under a military blockade since January 18.

Local sources indicated that militia forces enforcing the siege on the tribe opened fire on residential homes on Monday, resulting in the injury of the child, Abdulmalik Ali Al-Qareh. The sources further confirmed that medical teams were subsequently barred from reaching and transporting the injured child for treatment.

The Houthi militia is reportedly maintaining the blockade using more than 30 military vehicles, a situation that has led to the displacement of a significant number of families amidst a severe deterioration of humanitarian and living conditions within the area.

This aggressive siege was reportedly initiated following a tribal ambush targeting a militia vehicle, which resulted in the confirmed deaths of three Houthi fighters and injuries to three others. This incident prompted the group to launch a broad military operation affecting civilians and their property.

Residents of the affected area have urgently appealed to local and international human rights and humanitarian organizations to intervene immediately. They demand pressure be applied to the Houthi militia to cease the military campaign, lift the blockade on the Al-Qareh tribe, allow access for medical assistance to the wounded, and ensure they receive necessary care. The community holds the militia entirely accountable for the lives of the injured and any catastrophic humanitarian consequences arising from the continuation of the siege.