In Yemen, thousands leave areas due to Houthi raids — Asharq Al-Awsat
In Yemen, thousands of civilians continue to leave populated areas in western Taiz province and southern Hodeidah province after Houthi forces entered them. Residents told Asharq Al-Awsat about raids, detentions, and fears of possible reprisals and looting of property.
According to local residents, people left by cars and motorcycles or went on foot, trying to take their children, livestock, and essential belongings. The displacement affected the areas of Al-Waziya, Hays, Al-Khokha, Al-Zuhari, Al-Hayma, Yakhtul, and Mocha, as well as the coastal strip between Al-Hayma and Mocha.
Raids and detentions
Sources interviewed by the publication claim that Houthi fighters conducted searches and detained residents, while their property was looted or stolen. According to some testimonies, certain families were held hostage to force their relatives who had been fighting to return and surrender along with their weapons.
Sources also reported repressive actions against residents of the Mocha district in Taiz province and the city of Al-Khokha in Hodeidah. According to them, the Houthis accused some people of supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government. Other residents may have been targeted because of accusations by members of the group who, the sources claim, sought to settle personal scores.
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Flight without supplies
Abdul Jabbar Ali Hadi, a resident of the Al-Waziya district, said that events unfolded suddenly and many people did not have time to prepare for departure. He described columns of cars and motorcycles, hundreds of pedestrians, and people driving sheep, cows, camels, and donkeys with them.
According to him, a shortage of fuel complicated the evacuation. He also reported that a five-year-old girl became lost during the flight and was able to reunite with her family only the next day. Families who left their homes need safe shelter, food, water, fuel, and protection, particularly for children and elderly people.
Statement by authorities in Aden
Local authorities in the temporary capital of Aden, as well as in the provinces of Abyan and Lahj, said in a joint statement that the armed forces had overcome their initial confusion and were ready to meet the challenges. The authorities said they intended to control the security situation and the work of state institutions, protect citizens and their property, and called on residents to remain calm, follow official information, and report suspicious activity.
