The Yemeni capital Sanaa has witnessed large scale arrests by Houthi militias as several high-ranking insurgents have fled to neighboring countries following differences between the group’s political and military wings.
Abdulbasit Alshajae, director of Alasima Media, said that there have also been rising complaints in Sanaa and other Yemeni cities ruled by Houthis after taxes at the start of Ramadan reached 200 percent.
Rising condemnation by Yemeni citizens over the tax hike was met by arrests, he said.
Alshajae added in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that since the start of Ramadan, the Houthi militias have also arrested imams after they rejected to turn off loudspeakers while performing Tarawih prayers.
He confirmed of tension running high among Houthi members, saying many prominent commanders including Mohammed Ayash, editor-in-chief of Al Oula Newspaper, have fled in the past days.
Yemen's Minister of Information Moammar Al Eryani welcomed on behalf of the Yemeni government those rebelling against the Houthi militias and willing to return to the legitimate government on condition of not being involved in bloodshed.
Eryani added that the insurgents fear their defeat is imminent.
He added that several Houthi members figured out that they have become tools in the hands of insurgents, preferring to flee to neighboring countries.
