Yemen’s Houthi rebels have made headlines by claiming to have arrested members of an American-Israeli spy network, as well as detaining U.N. staffers and employees from various aid organizations. The arrests were announced by Maj. Gen. Abdulhakim al-Khayewani, who stated that the spy network previously operated out of the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa before continuing their activities under the cover of international and UN organizations.
While the exact number of people arrested remains unknown, Houthi authorities released purported videotaped confessions from 10 Yemenis who claimed to have been recruited by the U.S. Embassy. These actions come amid escalating tensions in Yemen, with the Houthis targeting shipping in the Red Sea corridor and facing financial pressure and internal dissent.
The conflict in Yemen has already claimed over 150,000 lives and created a dire humanitarian crisis, with the Houthis facing challenges both militarily and economically. The detentions of alleged spies and former embassy employees suggest a broader crackdown by the rebels as they seek to maintain control amid mounting challenges.