Al-Bayda — Houthi militias have launched a campaign of abductions in Al-Tuffah district, targeting members of Al-Abdullah and Al-Hisham tribes amid escalating tribal tensions linked to a previous murder case.

Local sources reported that armed Houthi units raided several villages in the district, detaining a number of men from the two tribes. 

The arrests were carried out under accusations of resisting militia directives and refusing to align with Houthi-imposed authority.

Witnesses described the raids as sudden and forceful, with families left in fear as armed groups surrounded homes and imposed tight security measures. 

The abductions have deepened mistrust between the Houthis and tribal communities, raising concerns of renewed clashes in the province.

Human rights advocates condemned the campaign, warning that arbitrary detentions and collective punishment violate international humanitarian law. 

Activists urged international organizations to pressure the Houthis to release the detainees and prevent further escalation.

Al-Bayda has long been a flashpoint in Yemen’s conflict, with tribal fighters resisting Houthi expansion and government forces struggling to maintain influence.