Yemen's government warns Houthi rallies could be targeted
Yemen’s Defense Ministry said Thursday that Houthi rallies and mobilization programs will be considered legitimate military targets and warned residents in Houthi-held areas against taking part.
The announcement was shared in a social media post and is considered a major escalation against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels as well as civilians living in areas under their control.
Deliberate attacks on civilians could amount to a war crime.
Rallies and what Houthis call “cultural courses” are one of the Iranian-backed group’s main tools for mobilization of supporters and fighters.
The Defense Ministry statement said such assemblies are used by the Houthis to mobilize children for combat.
Source: Associated Press
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