Houthi Forces Brutally Assault Citizen in Ibb Over Business Dispute
Militia security forces in Ibb, Yemen, have reportedly subjected a young man to severe physical assault in the Al-Ma'ayeen area, stemming from a minor commercial disagreement. This incident occurs amid escalating reports of abuses and security strong-arming by militia-affiliated agencies against the local population.
Local sources and eyewitnesses reported that Elias Moawada, owner of a local internet network in the Al-Hekl and Al-Ma'ayeen district, was brutally beaten by four Houthi soldiers belonging to the "October 7th Division" under the security administration of Al-Dhaher. The attack reportedly took place while Moawada was inspecting his network in Al-Ma'ayeen.
According to the accounts, the soldiers immediately apprehended Moawada, restrained him with handcuffs, and proceeded to assault him physically until he lost consciousness. Information suggests the assault was not a lawful procedure but resulted from a rival internet network owner leveraging influence with leaders in the Al-Dhaher security administration and the October 7th Division.
Sources indicate that the rival party is attempting to establish dominance in the area and compete with Moawada by utilizing security influence. Notably, Moawada had reportedly been released from prison only a month prior in connection with the same dispute.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among human rights activists, who have characterized the event as a deliberate ignorance or disregard for procedural laws. Residents and activists are holding the Al-Dhaher security director and the Houthi leaders overseeing the October 7th Division fully responsible for Elias Moawada's life.
They are demanding the apprehension of the involved military personnel and the instigating network owner for fair trial, and an immediate cessation of the use of security authority to intimidate small investors and citizens. The Ibb Governorate has suffered from security instability and a rise in assaults by individuals affiliated with Houthi security agencies for years, with a complete absence of legal accountability.