Aden, Yemen (August 28, 2024): Security forces in Aden, southern Yemen, have apprehended two Houthi leaders upon their return from Cairo, Egypt. The individuals, identified as Abdul Momen Mohammed Ismail, a brigadier general appointed by the Houthis as deputy governor of Taiz, and Abdul Hakim Abdul Momen Mohammed Ismail, a Houthi supervisor, were detained at Aden International Airport.

Local sources reported that the pair had left Aden for Cairo a month prior and were recognized by local citizens who subsequently alerted authorities. The arrests were carried out upon their return to Aden.

On Tuesday, August 27, the Security Belt forces, affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council, announced the capture of two Houthi leaders. Initial investigations revealed their involvement in war crimes, espionage, and child recruitment in areas under Houthi control in Taiz governorate, southwest Yemen.

According to a statement on the Security Belt's Facebook page, operational sources confirmed the identities of the detained Houthi leaders as Abdul Momen Mohammed Ismail and Abdul Hakim Abdul Momen Mohammed Ismail. The sources further stated that investigations confirmed their involvement in terrorist activities on behalf of the Iranian-backed Houthi group, including securing strategic locations in Taiz and mobilizing youth for combat.

The Security Belt forces apprehended the suspects in Aden based on intelligence reports confirming their activities in support of the Houthis. The detainees, along with confiscated evidence, were transferred to the specialized criminal prosecution office in Aden for further legal proceedings.