As U.S. Bombs Fall, Houthis Hunt Civilians Across Yemeni Capital

The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched mass arrests on Monday, detaining dozens of civilians in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and surrounding areas on trumped-up charges of espionage and leaking sensitive intelligence.

Security sources told Khabar Agency that Houthi forces raided homes across central Sana'a and the districts of Bani Matar, Hamdan, and Sanhan. The crackdown targeted individuals allegedly disclosing militia-controlled weapons depots, drone manufacturing sites, and hideouts of Houthi commanders—many concealed within civilian homes and repurposed industrial facilities.

The arrests coincided with a heightened security alert as U.S. forces intensify strikes against Houthi military infrastructure. Recent operations include Sunday's precision strike on a ceramics factory in Bani Matar, exposed as a covert drone assembly hub.

Detainees face accusations of revealing how the militia exploits civilian facilities for warfare—a violation of international humanitarian law. Since mid-March, Washington has escalated air campaigns against Houthi leadership and military sites.

In response, the Houthis have enacted draconian counterintelligence measures:

Isolating commanders from digital communications

Relocating leaders to undisclosed sites with rotated security details

Ramping up suppression of dissent under pretexts of national security

Analysts note the campaign reflects the militia's growing paranoia following successful U.S. targeting of key figures—many located through internal leaks. The crackdown aims to stifle information flows as international pressure mounts on the Houthi group.