Houthi militia activity and siege in Taiz governorate

Local authorities in the Taiz governorate of Yemen have engaged in a series of disputes with Houthi militias regarding the humanitarian and social conditions in the region.

Initially, Taiz officials dismissed Houthi claims about opening roads, labeling them “misleading propaganda” intended to shift blame for a long-standing siege. The local government reported that the blockade has expanded to cover most districts, threatening millions of citizens and causing tens of thousands of casualties through shelling and landmines. They further accused the militia of transforming transit routes into military confrontation lines.

Following these tensions, authorities issued warnings against Houthi forced recruitment and mobilization campaigns. The Taiz media office reported that militias are attempting to use educational and community institutions to impose sectarian ideologies and alter school curricula. Officials warned that those facilitating these efforts would face legal accountability.

Recent developments indicate an escalating humanitarian crisis as Houthi forces attempt to encircle Taiz. This blockade has caused severe shortages of drinking water, flour, gas, and diesel. While previous reports estimated 600,000 people in Taiz were dependent on assistance, the World Food Programme now warns that approximately 800,000 people across the country are at risk of being cut off from aid, with 600,000 of those residing in Taiz.

Further concerns have emerged regarding Houthi recruitment tactics. The leadership of the 35th Armored Brigade reported that militias are attempting to collect data on armed forces and security personnel by pressuring tribal leaders and social figures. Additionally, political elites and activists in Taiz have accused Islah Party militants of using residential neighborhoods as human shields and exploiting the humanitarian crisis by seizing essential goods for the black market.