Yemen: $70 a Month for Houthi Recruits

Child soldiers with Houthi fighters hold weapons during a demonstration in Sanaa on March 13, 2015. (File Photo: Reuters)
Child soldiers with Houthi fighters hold weapons during a demonstration in Sanaa on March 13, 2015. (File Photo: Reuters)
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Yemen: $70 a Month for Houthi Recruits

Child soldiers with Houthi fighters hold weapons during a demonstration in Sanaa on March 13, 2015. (File Photo: Reuters)
Child soldiers with Houthi fighters hold weapons during a demonstration in Sanaa on March 13, 2015. (File Photo: Reuters)

Houthi militias are resorting to all possible means to recruit militants, whether young or old, for a mere $70 a month to remain engaged in their sectarian war that glorifies their leader.

There are dozens of heart breaking stories told by taxi drivers or people in public places describing the insane Houthi rule that contradicts ethics and traditions of the Yemeni society.

Asharq Al-Awsat spoke to a group of residents, who all preferred to remain anonymous, in several areas of Yemen about the situation and Houthi rule.

In Hajjah governorate, Mohammed H., a 42-year-old taxi driver, indicated that almost every family in the city has lost a member or two while fighting for the Houthis.

When asked about the number of deceased, Mohammed stated that he can’t give the toll, but assured that at least seven people have been killed from each of the villages of Ezlat Bani Moheb in Hajjah.

"The group exploited the unemployment rate among young people and initially pushed them to enroll in its sectarian teachings, hiding them in unknown places for periods ranging from one to two weeks," he said, adding that they are brainwashed.

Mohammed preferred to flee from his region to Sanaa, fearing that his eldest son would be recruited. He explained that he won’t bare seeing his son in a body bag, and that is why he found him a job in a grocery store in one of Sanaa’s suburbs.

In al-Shahl district, Hajjah province, the death toll is much higher, according to Salim Sh.

Since the Houthi group launched its war, several citizens of Shahl were killed.

Salim's brother was killed in the Midi front two years ago, followed by his other brother, just a month after joining a camp in Abs region. His third brother is alive, but Salim says he could face the same fate at any moment.

Salim indicates that his third brother refused to obey his mother's wishes and insisted on joining the group. He explains how he was given sectarian lessons after being recruited by the group.

Since the beginning of the coup, Shahl district has established three new grave yards to fit the 2,000 people killed during the clashes, according to Salim.

In Manakha, west of Sanaa, one of the region's dignitaries told Asharq al-Awsat that more than 5,000 people have fallen in the ranks of the group since the beginning of the coup.

Mohammed N, a retired judge, believes that illiteracy, poverty, and unemployment, are the main reasons that allowed the Houthi group to control the minds of many young men and adolescents.

Mohammed confirms that the group pays about 30,000 Yemeni riyals to fighters in its ranks, which is less than 70 dollars. It also pays the same amount to the family of the deceased, through its affiliated "Martyrs’ Foundation".

Many of those involved in the group have dropped out in shock or after discovering the illicit gains of Houthi leaders or their real motives.

S.W. is one of the fighters who left the group. He withdrew from Nahm front and remained home after that for three months, fearing the group’s Preventive Security Forces would arrest him and force him to hand over his weapon.

Earlier this year, the Houthi group received more than 10,000 school graduates in Sanaa and other provinces. The group deluded the young men that it will enroll them in the military and security faculties under its jurisdiction, according to security and military sources. However, the insurgents only granted the graduates three months before pushing them to the front lines, asserted the sources.

There are different recruitment stories that have one thing in common, a tragic ending.



Moscow Reaffirms Dialogue with Damascus, Expects Respect for Russian Interests

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov (File photo – Reuters)
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov (File photo – Reuters)
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Moscow Reaffirms Dialogue with Damascus, Expects Respect for Russian Interests

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov (File photo – Reuters)
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov (File photo – Reuters)

Russia has reaffirmed its ongoing diplomatic and military dialogue with the Syrian government, stressing the importance of safeguarding its national interests, particularly regarding its military presence in Syria.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that communications between Moscow and Damascus remain active on a number of sensitive issues, including the future of Russian military bases and the humanitarian challenges stemming from the influx of displaced Syrians into the Russian-operated Hmeimim airbase in Latakia.

In remarks to the state-run TASS agency published Wednesday, Ryabkov noted that all issues are being discussed, despite a noticeable slowdown in public communications between the two allies in recent weeks.

He stressed that Moscow expects Syria to act in a way that respects Russia’s strategic interests, particularly as the two sides revisit the terms of longstanding military agreements.

Addressing the continued presence of thousands of Syrians at Hmeimim, Ryabkov said Russia is in contact with Syrian authorities to resolve the matter.

“We anticipate that this issue, along with others, will be resolved in a manner that protects our national interests and addresses the humanitarian concerns involved,” he said.

Around 9,000 Syrians reportedly sought refuge at the base after clashes erupted earlier this year between the new Syrian authorities and loyalists of ousted president Bashar al-Assad in Latakia, Tartus, and Homs.

Russia has been seeking to redefine its relationship with Damascus since Assad’s removal. A key step came in January when Russian presidential envoy Mikhail Bogdanov visited Syria for the first time since the leadership change.

Following the visit, Moscow signaled progress in “breaking the ice,” with both sides reportedly agreeing to explore a new framework for cooperation, including renegotiating Russia’s military footprint at Hmeimim and Tartus.

Damascus, for its part, has requested Russia’s support in implementing transitional justice, including lifting protection for former regime figures and repatriating allegedly embezzled funds believed to be held in Russia - claims the Kremlin denies.

Moscow has also expressed willingness to support Syria’s internal political dialogue, offer infrastructure reconstruction assistance, and potentially clear Syrian debt.

In March, President Vladimir Putin sent a letter to Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa affirming Russia’s readiness to deepen cooperation in all fields and backing Syria’s efforts to stabilize the country.

The timing of the letter was seen as significant, particularly after reports indirectly accused Moscow of enabling rogue military actions by Assad loyalists.

Last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov extended an official invitation to his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Al-Shibani, to visit Moscow, a move reportedly suggested by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.