Iran-backed Houthis kidnap three female artists in Yemen's Amran

The Iran-backed Houthis kidnapped three female artists in the Yemeni province of Amran on Sunday, after their participation in singing at a women's wedding in the province.

Houthi forces intercepted the three female artists while trying to return to Sanaa after participating with their mother in celebrating a women's wedding in Amran. Informed sources said.

The girls were taken to an unknown location. The sources added.

Over the past few weeks, the Houthi militia forces in the Amran Governorate of Yemen have been conducting a large-scale intimidation campaign against artists and singers to prevent them from performing or singing at venues and events.

Videos showing violent incursions by armed Houthi militants into venues and event halls as the men arrest and abruptly end the celebrations have been circulated on social media over the past few weeks.

Sources from Amran told Khaber Agency, that Houthi forces have abducted over 40 artists, singers and wedding hall owners so far. Purportedly, these people are being held in pretrial detention centers for over two months now – under the accusation that they are refusing to pledge not to allow artists to perform at their establishments.