The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms reported, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, that the Houthi group, which is internationally classified as a terrorist group, arrested (17) activists and young men from various neighborhoods of the capital, Sana’a, as a result of their celebration of the victory of the Syrian people.

In a statement, the network condemned in the strongest terms the campaign of repression and kidnapping launched by the Houthis in Sanaa, against those celebrating the victory of the Syrian people and the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

According to the network's field monitoring team, this campaign targeted the Al-Safiya and Al-Sabeen areas in Amanat Al-Asimah, where the kidnapped persons were taken to secret prisons belonging to the militia, in flagrant violation of all international laws and conventions.

The network confirmed that these practices reflect the Houthi group’s concern about the repercussions of the situation in Syria on its control in Sana’a, and its fear of the outbreak of a similar popular uprising that would end its existence.

She indicated that the Houthi group has intensified the deployment of its security and military personnel in the streets and neighborhoods of the capital during the past days.

She added, "This dangerous escalation comes within the framework of an ongoing campaign aimed at gagging voices and suppressing freedoms, as the militia has expanded its repression of politicians, journalists, human rights defenders, and activists."

The network called on the international community, the United Nations, its special envoy to Yemen, and human rights organizations to clearly condemn these crimes as an essential step towards holding their perpetrators accountable.

She stressed that the silence of the international community in the face of these crimes encourages the Houthis to commit more violations against innocent civilians, which requires a firm stance to stop the suffering of the Yemeni people.

On Sunday morning, December 8, 2024, the Syrian armed opposition announced its control of the Syrian capital, Damascus, the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, and the “beginning of a new era” for Syria.

This came after a massive military operation launched by the Syrian opposition forces since last November 27, and within 13 days they were able to end the rule of the Assad family, which extended for more than 5 decades.