Armed Tribal Gathering in Arhab Denounces Houthi Abuses, Demands Security Leadership Ouster

Hundreds of armed men from the Arhab district, north of Sanaa, convened a tribal meeting on Thursday to address alleged abuses by security forces affiliated with the Houthi militia against residents. The meeting specifically focused on the storming of a private residence.

During the gathering, Sheikh Abduljalil bin Abdulwahab Sinan, a prominent tribal leader from Arhab, accused the Houthi-appointed director of security for the district of violating the sanctity of the home of a tribal member identified as "Hazib." According to reports, security elements forcibly entered the residence at night, assaulting its owner and his children in front of his wife, an incident that has reportedly caused widespread discontent among the local population.

Protesters also accused the Houthi militia of engaging in arbitrary detentions. They highlighted instances of citizens being held in the Arhab security administration's detention facility for civil matters for periods extending up to one or two months, without being referred to the competent prosecution. This practice, they allege, is intended for financial extortion and the imposition of illegal fees.

The attendees called for accountability for the Houthi leadership within the Arhab district's security administration and demanded leadership changes. They urged an end to what they described as transgressions and violations against the people of Arhab, emphasizing the need to respect legal procedures and citizens' rights.