Sana’a – Human rights organizations have issued urgent warnings over a dramatic spike in criminal activity across areas controlled by the Houthi militia in Yemen, reporting a staggering 500% increase in crime rates during the current year.

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms, among other watchdogs, attributes the surge to militia impunity, sectarian indoctrination, and deteriorating economic and psychological conditions. The report documents a wave of violent crimes—including murders, kidnappings, domestic abuse, and assaults targeting women and children—in governorates such as Raymah, Ibb, Al-Jawf, Al-Bayda, Sanaa, and Amran.

Many of the perpetrators are reportedly linked to Houthi leadership or are fighters returning from frontlines, often influenced by extremist ideologies. One of the most shocking incidents cited involved a Houthi leader in Raymah who allegedly murdered and dismembered his teenage wife.

Rights advocates warn that the breakdown of law enforcement and judicial oversight in these areas has created a climate of fear and lawlessness, with civilians increasingly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The organizations are calling for international monitoring, accountability mechanisms, and urgent humanitarian intervention to protect civilians and curb the escalating violence.