Houthis Storm Mosques and Kidnap Imams in Coordinated Crackdown
Among the documented cases are the arrests of Sheikh Ahmed Al-Wahashi and Sheikh Ibrahim Abduljabbar, as well as the forced closure of the 'Taj Al-Waqar' center.
The crackdown has also involved replacing mosque libraries with sectarian literature, barring religious lessons, and forcibly expelling families of religious leaders.
According to Rights Radar, more than 735 violations against religious figures have been recorded since the outbreak of war, including 51 killings and over 560 abductions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saba Yemen
5 hours ago
- Saba Yemen
Revolution leader reaffirms Yemen's steadfast position in supporting Palestine, resisting U.S.-Israeli tyranny
Sana'a – Saba: Revolution Leader Sayyed Abdulmalik Badr al-Din al-Houthi reiterated on Sunday Yemen's firm and unwavering stance in supporting the Palestinian people and confronting American and Israeli tyranny. In a televised address delivered on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Zaid (peace be upon him), Sayyed Abdulmalik affirmed that the Yemeni people remain steadfast in their comprehensive and continuous mobilization in support of Gaza since the onset of Israeli aggression — despite facing intense military assaults in two consecutive rounds, involving thousands of U.S., British, and Israeli airstrikes. 'Our position in supporting the Palestinian people and confronting American and Israeli tyranny remains unchanged. We are confident in Allah's true promise of victory, despite the aggression, blockades, severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, and an organized economic war waged through various tools,' Sayyed Abdulmalik said. The leader pointed out that Yemen, in its support for Gaza, also faces an enormous propaganda war aimed at psychological infiltration, destabilization, and distraction from its core issues — foremost among them, the Palestinian cause, which concerns the entire Muslim nation. Sayyed al-Houthi emphasized that 'the Palestinian people are part of us, and their suffering is that of the entire Ummah. The U.S.-Israeli threat is a danger to all.' He added that the Yemeni people's steadfastness is driven by firm faith, deep Quranic awareness, and unwavering conviction. 'Our people's insight and Quranic awareness are the foundation of its resilience and strong belief. Thanks to Allah, all enemy attempts to deviate our people from its faithful path have failed,' he said. The leader stressed that Yemen will continue its active engagement across all fronts — military operations, mass mobilization, and strategic training — to strengthen readiness and uphold just causes. 'Our course in confronting U.S.-Israeli tyranny and its regional proxies is guided by Quranic insight and genuine faith in the path of Allah. It is an authentic trajectory rooted in prophetic example and sustained through generations,' he added. On the occasion of Imam Zaid's martyrdom, Sayyed al-Houthi highlighted the Imam's stature as a great symbol of Islam and a guide to the Ummah. 'We commemorate this occasion not only to honor Imam Zaid but to draw upon the immense lessons he left — lessons urgently needed in our time. As a nation facing immense challenges, we must learn from our history to strengthen our awareness, insight, and sense of responsibility,' he said. The leader described Imam Zaid as known across the Ummah for his spiritual excellence, distinguished status, and bold role — respected by all Islamic sects. 'Imam Zaid's movement was based on deep faith and insight. He worked tirelessly for years until he was martyred, aiming to reconnect the Ummah with the Quran in both guidance and practical application,' he explained. He noted that Imam Zaid was famously known in Medina as 'Ally of the Quran' due to his profound connection with it and his efforts to enlighten the Ummah and correct misconceptions. Imam Zaid's uprising, he said, came at a time of deep crisis under the tyranny of the Umayyads, who desecrated sacred Islamic sites, including the Kaaba and the Prophet's family. 'Jews were welcomed in the courts of Umayyad rulers and from there, they directed insults toward the Prophet (PBUH). Those rulers exerted all efforts to humiliate the Ummah and distort Islamic teachings,' he said. Despite harsh conditions, Imam Zaid launched a principled and righteous revolution to restore Quranic values and correct the course of the Islamic nation. The revolution leader stressed the critical role of Quranic awareness in resisting tyranny, countering deviance, and upholding major Islamic principles — particularly enjoining good and forbidding evil, which Imam Zaid sought to revive. The leader warned that the absence of this principle has allowed corruption to dominate while virtue is suppressed — reflecting the influence of Jewish-Zionist schemes. 'When the principle of enjoining good and forbidding evil is neglected, Islam becomes a shell of rituals devoid of meaning, and society falls into moral decay,' he said. Sayyed al-Houthi recalled Imam Zaid's famous statement: 'By Allah, the Book of Allah does not allow me to remain silent,' underlining his commitment to liberating the Ummah from subjugation and apathy. The Imam, he noted, endured betrayal yet remained determined, famously declaring, 'Even if only Ibn Yahya joins me, I will still fight them.' The leader recalled how the Umayyads crucified Imam Zaid's body for four years before burning it, hoping to erase his legacy — a goal in which they utterly failed. 'His struggle gave lasting momentum to the truth, establishing a school of resistance that lives on through the ages,' he said. Sayyed Abdulmalik stressed that today, the Ummah needs to revive the major themes of Imam Zaid's revolution — especially living by the Quran to resist American and Israeli tyranny. He described this tyranny as a threat to the Ummah's freedom, dignity, sanctities, and identity, aiming to erase Islam's distinct features. 'The correct path to confront this danger is through serious action inspired by Quranic guidance,' he stated. The leader also highlighted the immense suffering in Gaza, calling it a threat to the entire Ummah. 'What the Palestinian people in Gaza are enduring is a horrific tragedy. Children are dying daily from hunger — this is the worst stage of starvation,' he said. The leader accused the Israeli enemy regime of engineering 'death traps' and manipulating humanitarian aid to turn it into a tool of genocide. 'Many in Gaza are suffering extreme hunger while surrounded by hundreds of millions of Arabs and two billion Muslims watching helplessly — as if they were a paralyzed nation,' he lamented. Sayyed Abdulmalik warned that the Ummah's silence and evasion of responsibility toward Gaza is a grave danger with consequences in both this life and the hereafter. He criticized the absence of honor and conscience in the Muslim world and described the ongoing starvation of children in Gaza as a shameful disgrace to Arabs and Muslims alike. The leader concluded by stating that the enemy's confidence in its impunity stems from the Ummah's staggering failure to act — and emphasized that Yemen stands apart in its steadfast support for Palestine. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Revolution Leader)
Saba Yemen
5 hours ago
- Saba Yemen
Yemen Affirms Commitment to Freedom of Navigation, Except for Vessels Supporting Israeli Entity
Sana'a - Saba: The Republic of Yemen affirmed Sunday its firm position on the principle of freedom of navigation. This came in a letter sent by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Jamal Amer to the President of the Security Council for July 2025, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The letter referred to the statement of His Excellency Field Marshal Mahdi Al-Mashat, President of the Supreme Political Council, dated July 8, 2025, in which he affirmed the Republic of Yemen's commitment to the principles of international law and UN charters, including freedom of international navigation in vital waterways. The letter emphasized that the commitment to freedom of international navigation applies to all states and entities with the exception of the Israeli entity and those who provide it with logistical, military, or economic support that directly or indirectly contributes to the brutal Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip. It noted that, in confirmation of Yemen's commitment to avoiding any unintended harm, the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) was established to facilitate effective and transparent coordination with international shipping companies, to ensure safe passage for vessels not involved in supporting the Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip, and to avoid any unnecessary escalation. The letter called for all commercial vessels and shipping companies to adhere to the instructions and decisions issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces in this regard, stressing that any disregard for these instructions will make the violating parties bear full responsibility for any potential repercussions. The Yemeni government in Sana'a advised all entities, whether governmental or private, to refrain from dealing with or cooperating with any assets or interests belonging to the Israeli entity, in order to avoid any risks that may arise from the continued aggression. The letter emphasized that the Yemeni Armed Forces are growing stronger and more disciplined and will continue their targeted and specific operations, with the sole goal of halting the unjust aggression and lifting the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. In the letter, the Foreign Minister reiterated Sana'a's belief that the continued Israeli aggression threatens regional and international security and stability, calling on the United Nations and the Security Council to assume full responsibility and take immediate and effective steps to halt this aggression, provide urgent relief, and protect the Palestinian people. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
Yemenat
6 hours ago
- Yemenat
The Revolution That Consumed Its Children
More than a decade after the February 2011 revolution in Yemen and the ensuing complexities, Yemeni writer and researcher Jazem Saif presents a sociological approach in his book 'The Modern State and the Peaceful Revolution in Yemen.' This work sheds light on the events of the Change Square in Sana'a. Comprising 194 pages and published by Mawaeed Publishing for Studies, Translation, and Publication in Sana'a, Yemen, in 2024, the book addresses a critical phase in Yemen's history, allowing for a deeper understanding of these events beyond the noise and emotions. In his introduction, Ahmed Al-Salami notes that the passage of time now permits a calm reflection. He believes the book transcends the minutiae of events to capture the diversity of discourses in the square and how Yemenis envisioned the modern state they had long dreamed of. The book presents a clear paradox: despite the deep desire for change, society lacked a clear vision for a viable alternative. This absence of a coherent vision led to a mere replacement of individuals without achieving any real transformation in the system, contributing to the country's slide into chaos and ongoing divisions. Saif emphasizes profound issues that hindered the revolution's success, such as the confusion between regime and state. The fall of the president did not necessarily imply the construction of a new state; rather, it resulted in the collapse of state institutions. The book also discusses the lack of a clear alternative, where emotional discourses overshadowed practical solutions, alongside the failure of political parties to propose a modern alternative representing the energy of the revolutionary youth. The notion of the modern state is a central concern for thinkers in the Arab world, especially in light of the changes witnessed during the Arab Spring. The book aims to explore this complex concept, tracing its roots in Western political thought and analyzing the challenges of its realization in Arab and Islamic contexts. It also addresses the intellectual debates that emerged around the concept of the public sphere as a space for rational dialogue about the state and politics, a concept that has become an urgent necessity in societies. The book reviews historical experiences that attempted to shape a model of the state, such as the Ottoman Empire and the reforms of Muhammad Ali, highlighting the structural obstacles they faced. With the outbreak of the Arab Spring events, the question of the modern state has resurfaced, prompting the book to raise fundamental inquiries about the characteristics of a state that aligns with the aspirations of Arab peoples, emphasizing the importance of in-depth research studies to understand and analyze these experiences. The Modern State and the Public Sphere in Jazem Saif's Analysis The book devotes a significant section to discussing the public sphere as a fundamental element in building the modern state. It draws on definitions that clarify this sphere as an open arena for participation and dialogue concerning state-related ideas. Saif illustrates that the model of the modern state associated with Western modernity struggles to take root in the Arab environment, not due to differing core values, but because of the absence or weakness of this vital public sphere. He argues that shaping this sphere is the essential gateway to building consensus around the meaning of the state and its mechanisms. This work serves as an important reference, linking theoretical ideas, historical experiences, and current challenges. It asserts that the path to constructing a genuine modern state passes through reviving the public sphere as a space for dialogue and consensus on values and institutions. Saif emphasizes the importance of research and diligence, acknowledging the difficulty of the task but insisting on its necessity to achieve the desired social, economic, and cultural transformations. On another note, the book clearly addresses the concept of the modern state, highlighting that the state is not merely a government but an institution aimed at protecting individual rights and ensuring security. This requires a social contract and a constitution that guarantees free elections and the separation of powers, which contribute to transforming individuals from subjects into citizens with rights and a voice. Discourses of the Sit-In Square The book also provides an analysis of the discourses within the sit-in square in Sana'a, noting that it served as an open space for discussion on vital issues. However, it reveals how parties exploited this space by forming fictitious revolutionary groups, leading to the fragmentation of the square into closed factions. Saif addresses the issue of creating false heroes, where certain forces conferred titles like 'hero' to exploit the enthusiasm of youth, thereby fostering illusions of leadership. He also observes practices that contradict the slogan of a peaceful revolution, resulting in a retreat from civil discourse to a language of force. He points to the duplicity in funding discourse, where secret donations reveal disparities in resource distribution, highlighting the injustice in accessing support. Competing Discourses of Doubt and Tactics in the Yemeni Revolution In the context of the Yemeni revolution, two competing discourses emerged, leaving a profound impact on its trajectory. The first is the discourse of doubt, characterized by the dissemination of ready-made accusations and preconceived judgments aimed at tarnishing the image of individuals or political groups. This discourse relied on hostile descriptions that demonized 'the other,' undermining the foundations of coexistence and hindering any constructive dialogue, while fueling conflicting binaries such as 'the pure revolutionary' versus 'the traitorous revolutionary.' Conversely, the tactics discourse emerged as a reaction from within the revolutionary forces themselves, where individuals and activists publicly attacked their leaders, advocating for escalation as the sole path to victory. While it temporarily succeeded in presenting an image of cohesion, this discourse produced serious negative consequences, such as the usurpation of titles and responsibilities, deepening internal conflict. Competing Discourses of Doubt and Tactics: Intersecting Paths in the Yemeni Revolution Both discourses, that of doubt and that of tactics, represent two sides of the same coin. The former fueled internal fragmentation, while the latter sought to contain it. Yet, both contributed to complicating the Yemeni landscape and distancing it from its original revolutionary goals. The Digital Space and Political Settlement: A Failure to Achieve the Dream Facebook transformed from merely a social media platform into a vast arena for dialogue, where Yemenis engaged in discussions reflecting the 'logic of the moment.' However, these conversations revealed deep distortions in understanding the modern state. Conflicting perceptions emerged concerning the concept of the state: some reduced it to a parliamentary system, others viewed it as an alternative to tribal customs, while others confined it to a federal model or an ideal Islamic governance. Some participants even linked the state to secularism and sexual freedom, reflecting a profound ignorance of the nature of a modern state. The complexities deepened due to the nature of virtual communication. The absence of vocal tone and body language led to misunderstandings and unintended disputes. Real-world conflicts migrated to the digital realm, where a culture of exclusion and mutual accusations replicated, overshadowing any trace of constructive dialogue. On the other hand, the discourse of political settlement presented itself as a solution to rescue Yemen from a 'state of lawlessness.' Yet, this discourse co-opted the spirit of the revolution and transformed it into narrow political bargaining, granting immunity to the forces of the former regime while freezing essential demands for change. The fragility of this path soon became evident. The revolutionary forces that had united against tyranny fragmented, and a culture of exclusion and distrust emerged between the youth and party leaders. Divisions deepened around the concept of the state, with some viewing Yemen as 'stateless' and in need of reconstruction, while others considered it a 'robbed state' needing reform. In conclusion, the book highlights the importance of rethinking the concepts of state and public sphere, calling for a clear vision that transcends current divisions. Genuine revolution requires a shared vision and collective will to transform dreams into reality, necessitating ongoing efforts to understand and overcome past mistakes. The peaceful popular youth revolution in Yemen reflects a genuine desire for change, stemming from the suffering of the people under the weight of corruption and tyranny. This revolution has sparked a political movement that mirrors an urgent need to dismantle the regime and implement radical changes in governance. However, amidst this revolutionary momentum, political forces faced significant challenges, characterized by a lack of consensus and a clear vision. It was essential to build a genuine public sphere that allows for dialogue and democracy, but what transpired was a scattering of efforts and varying positions. The squares demonstrated that revolutionary mistakes, such as tendencies toward monopolization and authoritarianism, continue to obstruct pathways to radical change, necessitating the revival of intellectual discussions surrounding the concept of the modern state and its necessity. The future requires a discourse that transcends divisions, promoting enlightenment and cooperation among all parties. We must strive to build political institutions capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the people, founded on values of trust and dialogue. Revolution is not merely about slogans; it is a process that demands deep thinking and a shared vision, paving the way for the construction of a modern state that meets the community's needs and achieves justice and freedom for all.
