The Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen have resorted in recent days to all forms of oppression and terror to intimidate opponents as it faced imminent defeat in Hodiedah.
It sought to confront the reality by recruiting new members in Sanaa and other provinces under its control.
Backed by the Saudi-led Arab coalition, the legitimate forces are preparing for the decisive battle that would liberate Hodeidah and its strategic port from Houthi clutches.
To confront this, the Houthis sought to track down media figures and activists that are vocal against them. They also intensified their arrests against citizens in Sanaa, Hodeidah, Mahwit, Hajjah, Taiz and Ibb.
In addition, they openly used health relief in an attempt to lure new members in Sanaa and regions under their control. They also attempted to improve their image with the public through distributing meals and food baskets.
Tribal and partisan sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the militias continued their crackdown on citizens who refused to submit to the group.
Those targeted include pro-General People’s Congress figures and military officers suspected of cooperating with the legitimate forces and Arab coalition.
Over the past two days, the militias detained and kidnapped dozens of people they suspect of collaborating with the coalition under claims that they were planning to join them in Marib, Aden and the West coast.
The Houthis also urged their sectarian supporters to cooperate with them to inform on any opposition activists and journalists that are promoting propaganda against the militias.
The militants vowed that to punish all opposition activists and journalists.
