Ibb — In a sweeping crackdown aimed at suppressing growing unrest, Houthi forces have launched a broad campaign of arrests across Ibb Governorate, targeting educators, medical professionals, and civil society figures. 

The move comes amid rising tensions and fears of a popular uprising in the Sunni-majority province, long considered a flashpoint of resistance to Houthi rule.

Local sources report that dozens of individuals have been detained in recent days, including prominent doctors such as Dr. Ahmed Yassin and Dr. Thaeer Al-Dueis, as well as academic leaders like Dr. Mohammed Qaed Aqlan, director of the Holy Quran House in Al-Yahari. 

The arrests follow the killing of Sheikh Saleh Hantous in neighboring Reimah Governorate, an incident that sparked widespread outrage.

Human rights organizations have condemned the campaign, describing it as part of a broader pattern of repression in Houthi-controlled areas. Analysts say the arrests are intended to neutralize potential dissent and prevent the eruption of a coordinated uprising in Ibb, where tribal divisions and political grievances have simmered for years.