The U.S. Department of State has demanded that the Houthi militia cease the violations they are committing against Yemenis and immediately release detainees in their prisons, emphasizing that Yemen has a real opportunity for peace that must be taken advantage of by the Houthis. The State Department noted that the Houthis continue their assault in Marib, resulting in devastating humanitarian consequences, instead of choosing peace. They added that the exercise of human rights, including freedom of expression, should never be criminalized.
This comes as Yemeni Minister of Information Muammer Al-Eryani accused the Houthis of continuing to "recruit" African refugees and migrants forcibly. Al-Eryani stated that the Houthis' acknowledgment of recruiting African refugees and migrants constitutes a war crime and falls under crimes against humanity. He called upon human rights organizations and relevant international organizations to condemn the Houthi militia's recruitment of African migrants and refugees and their exploitation in combat operations. He also urged pressure on the militias to stop using African migrants and refugees as fuel for their futile battles and to implement the Iranian regime's agenda and destructive policies in Yemen and the region. Recruitment operations by the militia for African refugees continue, forcing them into combat fronts under threats of death or imprisonment.