Houthi Official Seizes Land, Including Cemeteries, in Ibb Province

A prominent Houthi official, accompanied by armed individuals, has forcibly seized private and public land and properties in the Al-Afyoush area of Mudhaykhirah district in Ibb province. The district is under Houthi control, and accusations suggest facilitation and approval from militia leaders within the district.

Local sources reported that an individual identified as "Ahmed Abdo Ali" led dozens of armed men on Wednesday to seize land belonging to citizens in the "Souq Al-Khamis" area. Construction has reportedly begun on the site, with the intention of converting it into commercial shops without any legal basis.

The sources indicated that the aggression extended beyond land confiscation to include the closure of several existing shops in the area. Owners were allegedly threatened with physical harm if they voiced any objection or resistance to the seizure.

In a related development, residents of the area have complained about a grave escalation involving the desecration and seizure of cemetery land belonging to the Ministry of Endowments in "Souq Al-Khamis." The same official is reportedly involved in selling this land and converting parts of it into investment projects and commercial establishments.

Sources confirmed that these actions are being carried out with direct complicity and facilitation from the Houthi-appointed official for Endowments in the district. This official allegedly legitimizes the sales and confiscation of rights, threatening any objecting citizens with repression and death, using direct threats such as "shoot your head."

This incident occurs amidst a continuous surge in the looting of public and private land and properties in Ibb province by influential figures and leaders affiliated with the Houthi movement over recent years.