Part 8/11:
The Houthis, who seized Sana’a in 2014 and have been embroiled in a protracted civil war, have a record of detaining foreign aid workers and cracking down on dissent. The recent kidnappings have compounded ongoing security challenges, prompting the UN to halt its aid operations in the region. This not only slows life-saving assistance but also signals the deteriorating security landscape, with the Houthis accused of using detainees and violence as bargaining chips amid ongoing conflicts with the recognized Yemen government.
Threatening to escalate tensions, the Houthis’ leader recently declared readiness to attack Israel if tensions in Gaza intensify, further illustrating how the Yemen conflict influences regional stability and global security fears.