Over 70 UN staff held in Houthi prisons, says Yemeni minister

Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zouba announced that an investigation is underway into reports that Houthi forces used toxic gases in Taiz province. The foreign minister stated that injuries have been documented with symptoms indicating exposure to chemical weapons, leading to her call for accountability for those responsible.

Al-Zouba highlighted the investigation's focus on the alleged Houthi use of toxic gases in Taiz, emphasizing the grave concern over the use of banned substances during clashes in the province. She also accused the Houthis of obstructing civilians' access to food and medicine, exploiting ceasefire periods to bolster their military strength, and persistently threatening security.

Al-Zouba reported that the group has been indoctrinating children with its ideology daily. Furthermore, she alleged that the Houthis are collaborating with terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa, warning of the security ramifications of this partnership as the group's actions continue to pose a threat beyond Yemen. In terms of achieving a political resolution, the Yemeni minister insisted that the Houthis must lay down their weapons as a prerequisite for negotiations, urging Yemen's international allies to classify the group as a terrorist organization.