Barran Press
Not far from Al-Hankah village in the Al-Masoud area of the Al-Qurayshiyah district, Houthi forces began an unrelenting bombardment of the village, using tanks and heavy artillery, indiscriminately targeting civilians, including women and children. Eyewitness accounts have drawn parallels to the violence seen in Gaza, reminiscent of previous assaults in the Rad'a region.
According to local sources, the Houthi militia, classified as a terrorist organization, launched what has been described as a "barbaric" attack on Al-Hankah village on the evening of January 8, 2025, which continued throughout the day on January 9. The assault involved heavy weaponry that devastated both private and public facilities, alongside drone strikes targeting the local population.
The situation escalated after the Houthis imposed a severe blockade on the village a few days prior. Located approximately six kilometers from Rad'a city and just two kilometers from the Al-Qasir military camp, the village has faced increasing hostility. The Houthi militia claimed the military operation was aimed at capturing individuals they labeled as wanted criminals, whom the Al-Masoud clan refused to surrender. This narrative was accompanied by a media campaign portraying the local population as traitors collaborating with foreign entities.
Despite the overwhelming force, local tribes attempted to defend themselves with personal weapons. However, the Houthis intensified their shelling, extending the bombardment to neighboring villages, resulting in civilian casualties.
As the shelling continued, residents shared videos on social media documenting the destruction in Al-Hankah, revealing damage to homes and several mosques. Initial reports from human rights sources indicate that the Houthi siege and indiscriminate shelling resulted in at least one death and twelve injuries, including three women. Over thirty homes sustained partial damage, while eight were completely destroyed, along with two mosques being bombed and burned.
Sources familiar with the situation suggest the Houthis are determined to arrest local youths involved in Quranic education, attempting to suppress religious teachings through their local supervisors. The militia has disregarded efforts by tribal leaders from Qifa to mediate a peaceful resolution, instead opting for an armed assault.
In response, Yemen's Minister of Information condemned the Houthi attacks, calling them a clear indication of the group's brutality against innocent civilians. He highlighted the indiscriminate nature of the assault, which had led to significant casualties, including women and children, while also causing extensive damage to property.
The minister urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take decisive action to classify the Houthis as a global terrorist organization and hold their leaders accountable for war crimes. rights organization "Masa'a for Rights and Freedoms" also condemned the intensified shelling, reporting thirteen civilian casualties, including women and children. The organization called for immediate action from the UN and the international community to pressure the Houthis into ceasing their violations of human rights in Al-Bayda.