P.T.O.C.YEMEN Center Exposes Houthi Intelligence Apparatus’ Role in Infiltration, Blackmail, and Societal Repression

A groundbreaking report by the P.T.O.C.YEMEN Center for Specialized Research and Studies has uncovered the covert operations of the Iran-backed Houthi militia’s secret police intelligence apparatus. Supported by confidential documents and verified information, the report reveals the group’s systematic use of blackmail, organized crime, and societal repression to consolidate control over Yemeni society.

The first part of the report, titled “Terrorism and Societal Repression: The Houthi Police Intelligence Apparatus – Structure, Objectives, and Methodology,” details the militia’s repressive tactics and highlights the roles of key figures such as Sultan Zabin, former Director of Criminal Investigation, and Fadl Ahmed Mohammed Ali Sateen, Director of the Soft War Administration within the Houthi-controlled Interior Ministry.

The report calls for urgent international action to document these abuses, hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent further violations. It also promises that the second part will delve deeper into the organizational structure and operational methods of the Houthi intelligence apparatus.

An Intelligence Apparatus Entrenching Control and Societal Infiltration

Since the outbreak of war in 2015, the Houthi militia has implemented a calculated strategy to infiltrate Yemeni society. The report reveals that the group has expanded its recruitment of agents within residential neighborhoods and public gatherings, enlisting neighborhood elders and social influencers to create a vast intelligence network.

In 2019, Houthi Interior Minister Abdulkarim al-Houthi established a specialized intelligence unit known as the “Community Police.” This unit, composed of civilian recruits, is tasked with monitoring individuals’ movements in neighborhoods, homes, and gatherings, submitting continuous reports to the militia.

The report warns that this apparatus poses a severe threat to Yemen’s social fabric, eroding trust among community members while enabling corruption, blackmail, and human rights violations. These tactics are exemplified by the militia’s widespread arrest campaigns targeting activists, journalists, and public figures who supported the September 26 Revolution.

Blackmail and Coercive Recruitment: Shadow Arms and Prominent Leaders

The report exposes the Houthis’ exploitation of various societal groups, including journalists, politicians, activists, and social influencers. Among the methods used are blackmail operations involving women, a tactic spearheaded by the late Sultan Zabin, a key figure in the militia’s organized crime and blackmail operations.

Zabin played a central role in establishing the “Zainabiyat,” a female security unit used for repression, entrapment, and espionage. His death created a leadership vacuum, prompting the group to appoint Fadl Ahmed Mohammed Ali Sateen (known as “Abu Mahfouz”) to oversee a new unit. This unit includes hardline ideological elements who carry out the group’s orders without regard for human dignity or rights.

“Soft War Administration”: The Houthis’ Tool for Societal Intimidation

Under Fadl Sateen’s leadership, the Houthis established the “Soft War Administration,” a unit designed to combat perceived threats through intimidation, blackmail, and forced recruitment. The administration comprises multiple teams, including intelligence operatives, investigators, raid forces, female squads, and cultural propagandists who promote the group’s ideology.

The unit is headquartered on Airport Street, near Sateen’s residence in Al-Juraf district, close to Al-Fitna Mosque (Al-Hashouhs). Raid operations are overseen by Houthi commander Ali Mada’is, while the female squad is managed by commander Ibtisam al-Mahatwari.

The report concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention to address these violations and protect Yemeni society from further harm. The second part of the report, which will reveal the leadership and organizational structure of the Houthi intelligence apparatus, is expected to shed further light on the group’s operations.