Yemen Calls for Arrest of Houthi Leaders Attending Nasrallah’s Funeral

Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani has called for the arrest of Houthi officials reportedly attending the funeral of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. He urged the Lebanese government to hand them over to Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

Eryani made the demand in a post on X on Wednesday, claiming that the Houthi delegation’s attendance was not solely for the funeral but a coordinated effort among Iran-backed groups. He did not name the officials he wants detained.

Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s secretary-general for over 30 years, was killed on September 27 amid intensified Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon. His funeral is scheduled for February 23.

The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that a Yemeni delegation would participate, though the group has not officially confirmed attendance. The Lebanese government and Houthi leaders have not commented on the demand.

Eryani linked the funeral gathering to recent Israeli strikes on Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis. Both groups have launched attacks against Israel during the Gaza war in support of Palestinians.

Since November 2023, the Houthis, who control northern Yemen, have carried out more than 100 attacks on ships off Yemen’s shores, disrupting global shipping.

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