Sanaa:Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council has announced immediate legal action against individuals suspected of collaborating with or financing the Houthi group, emphasizing that certain state security offenses could result in the death penalty.

According to Anadolu Agency, the council's statement highlighted that aiding the Houthis, facilitating their operations, or providing them with information and resources to attack the state, civilians, or security forces are prosecutable acts under current laws.

The council noted that national legislation enforces severe penalties, including the death penalty, for offenses threatening state security and independence, compromising the armed forces, revealing defense secrets, assisting the enemy, or communicating with a hostile state that supports a terrorist militia.

The council further warned that holding official, military, or security positions does not shield individuals from accountability. Citizens and state employees were encouraged to report suspected offenses through official channels, with assurances of protection for whistleblowers, witnesses, and the confidentiality of their information.

Additionally, the council ordered increased vigilance and coordination to safeguard vital facilities, military sites, sensitive information, and defense secrets, as well as to counter infiltration attempts into state institutions.

This announcement follows a military escalation that started in July, marking the most significant increase in hostilities since the relative calm of a UN-brokered truce initiated in April 2022. Yemen has been in turmoil since the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces in September 2014, leading to an intervention by an Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia in March 2015 to support the internationally recognized government.