Yemeni activist and Captain Rashid Maarouf detained by Fifth Military Region

The leadership of Yemen’s Fifth Military Region has detained media activist and Captain Rashid Maarouf, referring him to military prosecution. According to reports, the arrest is based on allegations of “broadcasting false news that serves the enemy.”

Maarouf, who works in the Moral Guidance Department of the Fifth Military Region, is known for his field, social, and political activities, including providing coverage of military fronts and political analyses on social media. While some activists suggest his posts favored Houthi interests, others argue the arrest is a matter of freedom of opinion and internal disagreement within anti-Houthi ranks.

Journalist Ahmed Maher reported that he contacted Major General Yahya Salah, commander of the Fifth Military Region, to clarify Maarouf’s whereabouts and the legal procedures taken against him, but the commander declined to provide details. Maher has condemned the arrest and called on Yemen’s Minister of Information, Moammar al-Eryani, to intervene and ensure the protection of journalists and activists against arbitrary military actions.