Houthi recruitment gatherings are legitimate military targets, Yemen warns

The Yemeni government has cautioned residents of Houthi-controlled territories against attending recruitment gatherings organized by the Iran-aligned militia, stating these events are being used to enlist children and young individuals as fighters. According to the Defence Ministry, the Houthis use tribally-motivated mobilizations, mass gatherings, cultural courses, and similar activities to recruit, urging people to avoid such events and protect their children from exploitation and danger.

The US Charge d’Affaires in Yemen, Neil Hop, echoed these concerns, alleging Houthi militants forcibly recruit children into combat roles, deeming this practice abhorrent. Hop's statement highlighted the recruitment of Yemeni children from schools and streets, exposing them to potential death or psychological harm. He also criticized the Houthi leadership for targeting ordinary Yemeni families, calling them "zanabeel," and demanding the end to the recruitment of children for the Houthi war.

The government's warning emerged amidst increasing tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, the coalition backing Yemen's government. In the past 48 hours, the Houthis allegedly targeted the Saudi Defence Ministry, King Fahd International Airport, an Aramco facility in Yanbu, and Abha International Airport using missiles and drones.

While the Saudi-led coalition reported two fatalities at the Dammam airport and another two wounded near an Aramco oilfield, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attacks, asserting they were carried out by ballistic missiles and drones. Saree threatened retaliation against Saudi Arabia if it threatens to attack Yemeni tribes, warning of "catastrophic and unforeseen" consequences.