Taiz Leaders Condemn Houthi Abuses, Vow to Break Siege

Tribal leaders and dignitaries from Taiz governorate have vehemently condemned the abuses perpetrated by the Houthi terrorist militia against citizens in areas under their control. These condemnations come amidst reports of home invasions, desecration of private spaces, and coercive pressure on local leaders to forcibly recruit their sons for the front lines. The leaders affirmed that Taiz will overcome the ongoing siege through the will and sacrifices of its people.

In a statement issued on Friday, the tribal leaders and dignitaries highlighted that the militia's actions against Taiz residents, including the blockade, targeting of civilians, and severe restrictions on daily life, underscore the immense suffering endured by the population. They asserted that these violations will not diminish the resolve of the governorate's inhabitants nor deter them from defending their rights, freedom, and dignity.

The statement unequivocally rejected all forms of forced conscription, coercion, and threats. It placed full responsibility on the Houthi militia for the harm inflicted upon citizens and their families due to these practices. The leaders urged tribal elders, dignitaries, and prominent figures in Houthi-controlled areas to resist pressure aimed at recruiting their sons or sending youth from their regions to the battlefronts.

The Taiz leaders appealed to individuals fighting within the Houthi ranks to reconsider their positions and cease their involvement in battles that target their governorate and kin. They emphasized that their continued participation in these conflicts does not serve the interests of Taiz but rather exacerbates the suffering, endangers civilian lives and property, and deepens the wounds of a society ravaged by years of war and blockade.

The declaration stressed that the people of Taiz are not enemies of one another, but are bound by ties of brotherhood and belonging. It called upon those who have been misled to return to their families and communities, contribute to stemming the bloodshed, and protect the social fabric, rejecting their exploitation as expendable resources in a war detrimental to the future of the governorate and its people.

Furthermore, the statement cautioned against being deceived by initiatives and overtures from the militia under the guise of "amnesty," urging citizens to scrutinize their true objectives and beware of their potential use for entrapment, blackmail, or imposition of forced recruitment. Conversely, it advocated for a responsible approach towards those who reconsider their stance and cease participation in hostilities, thereby fostering opportunities for de-escalation and coexistence among the governorate's people.

The leaders and social figures implored parents to intensify their efforts in safeguarding youth from radicalization, deception, and forced recruitment, and to educate them about the dangers of engaging in conflicts that harm their governorate and its people. They underscored that protecting the lives of youth, upholding citizen dignity, and preserving the social fabric are shared national and moral responsibilities.

The statement reiterated pride in the sacrifices of the heroes of the armed forces and popular resistance in Taiz governorate for their defense of the nation, the republic, rights, and freedoms, and their confrontation of the Houthi terrorist militia. It offered prayers for the souls of the martyrs, wished a speedy recovery to the wounded, and expressed hope for the safe return of detainees and those forcibly disappeared to their families.

The tribal leaders and dignitaries also expressed their appreciation for the fraternal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting Yemen and its people, and in backing efforts to achieve security, stability, and peace, reflecting the deep historical and fraternal bonds between the two countries and their peoples.

In conclusion, the statement affirmed that Taiz will break the siege through the resolve of its people, and that it is inclusive of all its sons. It called for prioritizing brotherhood and national belonging over differences and disagreements, and for concerted efforts to mend divisions, strengthen social cohesion, stop the bloodshed, uphold citizen dignity, and safeguard the future for coming generations.