Yemen’s internationally recognized government criticized Iran-aligned Houthi coup militias for recruiting underprivileged African migrants to fight battles against the national army in the war-torn country.
The government, which is headed by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and based in the interim capital, Aden, also pressed the international community to stand up to the “exploitation” and horrendous “crimes” against the refugees.
Houthis, according to state officials, are using African fighters to replenish their depleted ranks at frontlines.
Yemeni Information Minister Muammar Al-Eryani urged countering Houthi abuse of African migrants and warned of an escalation in Houthi militia terrorist attacks in the Red Sea region.
“Houthi recruitment of African refugees and immigrants, using them as cannon fodder in suicide attacks, and exploiting them in combat constitute a targeting of the security and stability of Yemen and the neighboring countries,” said the minister.
Labeling Houthi actions as a blatant threat to international interests, Eryani reaffirmed the Iran-backed group is implicated in crimes against humanity that are in clear violation of international laws and norms.
Eryani also encouraged human rights and international organizations to condemn Houthi recruitment of African migrants and refugees.
Like Eryani, several local and world human rights organizations are speaking against the Iran-backed group’s active arrest and drafting of African migrants and refugees.
According to some reports, Houthis have subscribed and deployed hundreds of Africans from different backgrounds such as Ethiopia and Somalia.
Over the past two years, the militia relentlessly plundered international aid meant to the same migrants they are dispatching to frontlines.
Houthis are paying African cadets between $80-$100 for joining their ranks, official sources speaking under the condition of anonymity told Asharq Al-Awsat.
According to UN estimates, around 171,000 African migrants, mostly of Somali and Ethiopian descent, are currently in Yemen.
