Iran-backed Houthis dig tunnels, expand minefields in Yemen's Hodeidah

The Iran-backed Houthis have begun digging tunnels and expanding mine-planting operations in Al Duraihimi District, south of Yemen's Hodeidah governorate. Local authorities said in a statement on Monday.

Human Rights Office in Al-Duraihimi District, condemned the operations of digging tunnels and planting mines carried out by the Houthi militia in the district, stressing that these actions pose a serious threat to the lives of civilians and hinder the return of normal life to the area.

Since the Houthis returned to occupy the directorate, they have resumed carrying out terrorist acts against civilians and subjecting them to sectarian indoctrination, as well as mobilizing and intellectually preparing young people. They have also been conducting arrests against those who do not comply with their actions and ideas, fabricating false charges against them. The statement said.

"The Houthis looted the revenues of the directorate's resources, imposed taxes on farmers, fishermen, and livestock owners, and exploited international humanitarian aid".

"The Houthis exploited the coasts to strike regional waters, international navigation, and neighboring countries, in addition to deploying heavy weapons in citizens' farms and storing light weapons in populated areas, which become threatened, forcing them to flee and leave their lands". The statement added.

The Iran-backed Houthis have intensified their violations against civilians in various areas under their control in the province recently, according to official and human rights reports. Reports indicate large-scale displacement operations affecting residents in the directorates of Al-Hawk, Bajil, and Al-Jarahi, in addition to preventing fishermen from fishing in the Al-Luhayya directorate after closing the port and turning it into a closed military zone.