Sana’a — A Yemeni non-governmental organization has reported that Houthi militias carried out a sweeping campaign of abductions targeting civilians who participated in or supported celebrations marking the anniversary of the September 26 Revolution. 

According to the organization’s findings, 306 individuals, including 26 children, were forcibly taken from their homes or public spaces across 13 governorates under Houthi control.

The report, released by the Musawh for Rights and Freedoms Organization, highlights a pattern of repression aimed at silencing public expression and commemorative activities tied to the 1962 revolution, which overthrew the Zaidi Imamate and laid the foundation for the modern Yemeni republic. 

The abductees include activists, journalists, educators, tribal figures, and ordinary citizens who either organized or attended events honoring the revolution’s legacy.

The organization condemned what it described as “systematic violations of civil liberties” and called on international human rights bodies to intervene. “These abductions are part of a broader strategy to suppress freedom of expression and erase national memory,” the statement read, urging immediate pressure on the Houthis to release the detainees and halt further arrests.

The crackdown reportedly intensified in the days leading up to and following September 26, with Houthi forces deploying across major cities including Sana’a, Dhamar, Ibb, Amran, and Al-Hudaydah. 

Witnesses described raids on homes, schools, and community centers, where individuals were detained without warrants or legal justification. In some cases, families were threatened with violence if they spoke out or attempted to locate their missing relatives.

The SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties, which also documented the events, noted that the campaign reflects a broader effort by the Houthis to consolidate ideological control and suppress dissent. Their report, titled “Retrospective Retaliation,” warns that such tactics risk deepening societal divisions and undermining prospects for peace.

The September 26 Revolution remains a symbol of republicanism and resistance for many Yemenis, particularly in regions historically opposed to Houthi rule. Despite the risks, grassroots celebrations were held in several areas, often in defiance of threats and surveillance.

Human rights advocates are calling for urgent international attention, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of civilians in conflict zones. The fate of the abducted individuals remains unknown, with concerns mounting over their treatment and legal status.