Aden (South24 Center)

The Yemeni Ministry of Defense warned residents of Houthi-controlled areas on Wednesday (October 21) against participating in tribal mobilization gatherings, mass rallies and cultural courses organized by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia, saying it would treat such gatherings as legitimate military targets.

In a statement carried by the official Yemeni news agency Saba, the ministry accused the Houthis of exploiting these activities to recruit children and young people and send them to the front lines in support of the group's military operations.

The ministry urged residents to stay away from such gatherings and prevent their children from being drawn into combat activities, warning that participation could put their lives at risk.

The warning also covers gatherings organized under the banner of Al-Nakf Al-Qabali (tribal mobilization), a traditional Yemeni custom in which tribes assemble to demonstrate solidarity, respond to grievances or mobilize support during disputes and conflicts.

The Houthis have recently organized armed tribal gatherings in areas under their control. On October 18, the group's Saba news agency reported that tribes in Al-Haymah Al-Dakhiliyah District of Sanaa Governorate had declared mobilization against Saudi Arabia, pledging to provide fighters, weapons and financial support.

On October 15, a similar gathering involving Dahm tribes in Al-Jawf Governorate called for reinforcements and military training to support the group's operations.

The Defense Ministry's warning raises concerns about the potential targeting of gatherings attended by civilians. Under international humanitarian law, civilians are protected from direct attacks unless they directly participate in hostilities.

The warning comes amid escalating fighting between the Houthis and opposing forces across several fronts, particularly in Taiz and Lahj, alongside intensified Houthi missile attacks on South Yemen governorates.

On Monday (October 19), the Houthis claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on a security training center at Al-Alam camp in Shabwa Governorate. The attack killed 73 recruits, according to the latest casualty figures released by local authorities, while 14 others remain missing and more than 200 people were injured.

On Wednesday (October 21), the Houthis also claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Aden and Al-Riyan airports in South Yemen, as government-aligned forces reported heavy clashes with the group along the western fronts of Taiz Governorate.

The latest developments reflect a widening military confrontation, amid escalating warnings from both sides about targeting locations they associate with their opponents' military activities.