By Faisal Abu Bakr | 2026-04-22

Analysts believe the Houthi group is exploiting regional preoccupation with the US-Iranian regime conflict, to consolidate its internal grip.

Escalating repression, forced levies and targeting societal elites are being used to achieve consolidation of control.

On April 9, the Musawah Organization for Rights and Freedoms reported the abduction of nine civilians across districts of Dhamar province within a 24-hour period.

These abductions, mostly of education professionals, are part of a systematic policy designed to sow terror, silence dissent and include raiding homes and confiscating property.

"Fearing an internal uprising, the group is exploiting regional tensions and developments concerning Iran's allies to tighten its security control," Abaad Center for Studies director Abdul Salam Mohammed told Al-Fassel.

The Houthis retaliate against dissidents through relentless pursuit as occurred in the al-Hada District.

"They are targeting influential figures, including former local officials, teachers and activists, to neutralize opposition movements," he added.

The Houthi group imposes coercive levies exorbitant and illegal taxes -- on vendors in Dhamar and other controlled provinces to prop up its struggling economy.

Mohammed pointed to "the group's preparations for war and its fear of collapse."

Abductions are carried out against those who refuse to facilitate child recruitment, a practice used to bolster the group's ranks if military operations expand.