Local source in Sana’a and other areas under Houthi rebels control revealed that the Houthis have begun military training programs inside several primary and secondary schools, in what the sources describe as a new escalation by the rebels to recruit children into combat activities.
According to the sources, the training began a week ago targeting students ranging from sixth grade to the final year of high school.
The training reportedly includes instruction in the use of sniper rifles and other combat skills, with attendance enforced as mandatory.
The sources added that students who refuse to participate face harsh punitive measures, including the possibility of expulsion from their schools.
Human rights advocates warn that the move represents a dangerous violation of international conventions protecting children in conflict zones.
They stress that the militarization of schools not only deprives students of their right to education but also exposes them to grave risks by pushing them into armed confrontations.
The revelations have sparked renewed calls for international pressure on the Houthis to halt child recruitment and to safeguard the civilian character of educational institutions in Yemen.