Palestinian Islamic Jihad assures Israeli operation in Nuseirat will not impact swap deal

Human rights groups have strongly condemned the recent abduction of scores of Yemenis working for the UN and US organizations in Yemen by the Iran-backed Houthi militia. Yemeni Human Rights Minister Ahmed Arman revealed that around 50 Yemeni personnel from various international agencies and NGOs were kidnapped by the Houthis after storming their residences in Sanaa.

The Houthis have also reportedly abducted Yemeni workers in other provinces under their control. The raids on residences in Sanaa have continued, with more Yemenis working for foreign organizations being abducted, according to Arman. The names of the abducted individuals and the organizations they work for have not been disclosed.

In a joint statement, 118 Yemeni human rights organizations condemned the Houthi militia’s actions, calling them a blatant breach of national and international laws. The Houthis have not provided an official explanation for the abductions, but they have previously accused Yemeni workers of collaborating with their enemies.

Meanwhile, the US military intercepted a fresh barrage of Houthi drones and missiles over the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait. The US Central Command reported that the Houthis had fired ballistic missiles and drones from regions under their control, but none had hit any navy or commercial ships. US forces destroyed several drones and missiles before they could reach their targets.

Houthi media claimed that US and UK planes carried out airstrikes on airports and ports in Hodeidah, as well as a military base north of Sanaa. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea announced that their forces had launched drones and missiles at two ships in the Red Sea for allegedly breaching their ban on sailing to Israel.

Since November, the Houthis have been involved in various maritime incidents, including sinking a ship, seizing another, and firing missiles and drones at international ships. The militia claims these actions are in support of the Palestinian people and aimed at pressuring Israel to end its assault on Gaza.

The situation in Yemen remains tense as the conflict between the Houthis and international forces escalates, with human rights violations and maritime incidents adding to the complexity of the crisis.