Sources in Taez said the Houthi militias and their supporters kidnapped politicians, intellectuals and journalists in Taez, Sanaa and Aden. They said the number of those kidnapped is increasing. Sources, who preferred anonymity, said the majority of the kidnapped individuals are from the media and TV channels. The motive is to pressure them and force them not to report facts on the ground and hide the real losses Houthis are suffering.

The sources, added that the Houthis have blocked more than 50 news websites and looted their headquarters. These included Yemen Shabab, Al Saediya in Sanaa and Suhail in Aden.

The sources continued that the Houthi militias exploit children and make them fight in addition to using them to hide their weapons.

In a related development, a number of ladies gave their ornaments and other precious belongings to their men to buy weapons.