Sana’a — The U.S. Embassy in Yemen has strongly condemned the mass arrests carried out by Houthi authorities against hundreds of Yemeni citizens who participated in celebrations marking the anniversary of the September 26 Revolution.

In an official statement released Monday, the embassy expressed deep concern over the detention of more than 600 individuals throughout the year, citing violations of basic freedoms and human rights. 

The September 26 Revolution, commemorating the founding of the Yemeni Republic in 1962, remains a symbol of national pride for many Yemenis.

“These arbitrary arrests are a clear attempt to suppress peaceful expression and national identity,” the statement read. 

“We call on the Houthis to immediately release all those detained for exercising their right to celebrate a historic moment in Yemen’s history.”

The embassy emphasized that such actions undermine efforts toward peace and reconciliation in the country, which has been mired in conflict since 2014.

It also reiterated its support for a unified, democratic Yemen and urged all parties to respect civil liberties and international humanitarian law.

Human rights organizations have also voiced alarm over the crackdown, reporting that many detainees were held without charge and subjected to harsh conditions. 

The arrests reportedly targeted students, activists, and ordinary citizens who displayed the Yemeni flag or chanted slogans in support of the revolution.

The U.S. Embassy’s condemnation adds to growing international pressure on the Houthis to halt repressive measures and engage in constructive dialogue aimed at ending the conflict.