Houthi Militia Abducts Four Children in Hajjah Over Revolution Torch Lighting

Houthi militia forces have reportedly abducted four children, aged between 12 and 13, in the Kushar district of Hajjah Governorate in northwestern Yemen. The detentions are alleged to be in retaliation for lighting a torch to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the September 26th Revolution.

Local sources indicated that the children were apprehended in the Nidd Khuraim sub-district while they were reportedly taking academic exams. One of the abducted children is said to suffer from a pre-existing medical condition.

Families of the detained children have been actively pursuing their release and appealing to the Houthi militia, but their pleas have thus far gone unanswered, according to the sources.

The detentions occur amidst heightened security measures imposed by the Houthi militia across areas under their control, coinciding with the 64th anniversary of the September 26th Revolution, which overthrew the Imamate regime in northern Yemen in 1962.

In Sana'a, the militia previously deployed numerous military vehicles and intensified security operations to pursue and prevent individuals from participating in national celebrations of the revolution. This pattern of heightened security and suppression of commemorations has been observed annually as the revolution's anniversary approaches.

The abduction of minors for their involvement in celebrating national occasions has drawn considerable local criticism, particularly given the continued detention of children who should be attending school.