Iran-backed Houthi rebels are seizing on the Israel-Hamas war to recruit more child soldiers, watchdog reports

Wed, 02/14/2024 - 13:05

A soldier loyal to Yemen's Houthi group guards supporters Feb. 6 in Sana'a, Yemen. Human Rights Watch warns that the group is recruiting hundreds or thousands of more child soldiers as part of its confrontation with Israel and the US.
Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images

The Houthis have increased child soldier recruitment following Hamas's Oct. 7 attack.
The militia is using Palestinian solidarity to attract young recruits in Yemen.
Despite pledges to end child soldier use, Houthis continue to violate children's rights.

The Houthis have recruited hundreds or thousands more children to join their militia in the name of Palestinian solidarity and as they stand up to the US in the wake of Hamas's Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on Israel, Human Rights Watch reported on Feb. 13.