Taiz Tribal Leaders Condemn Houthi Violations and Reaffirm Commitment to Ending Siege

Tribal leaders and prominent figures in Taiz have issued a formal condemnation of the human rights abuses perpetrated by Houthi militias, including illegal home raids and the forced conscription of local youth into active combat zones.

In a joint statement released on Friday, the leaders denounced the systematic pressure applied to local families and elders, emphasizing that such coercive tactics are intended to deplete the province's human resources for the militia’s war efforts. The signatories declared that despite the ongoing blockade and persistent targeting of civilians, the resilience of the people of Taiz remains unbroken, affirming that the province will ultimately overcome the siege through the collective will of its citizens.

The statement explicitly rejects all forms of forced recruitment and intimidation, holding the Houthi militia fully accountable for the resulting harm to families and the local social fabric. The leaders urged residents currently serving within the Houthi ranks to reconsider their positions, warning that continued participation in the conflict serves only to exacerbate the suffering of their own communities and threaten the lives and property of their fellow citizens.

Addressing the broader population, the tribal elders cautioned against falling prey to militia-led initiatives disguised as amnesty programs, which they described as deceptive tools used for extortion and further forced mobilization. They called upon parents and community figures to take proactive measures in shielding the youth from exploitation, framing the preservation of the province’s social unity as a paramount national and moral responsibility.

The document concluded by paying tribute to the sacrifices made by the armed forces and popular resistance fighters in their defense of the Republic. Furthermore, the leaders expressed their appreciation for the support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in promoting peace and stability in Yemen, reiterating that the future of Taiz depends on the solidarity of its people and their commitment to overcoming current divisions to ensure a secure future for coming generations.