In a shocking development in Yemen, the Houthi-controlled Specialized Criminal Court in Sanaa has sentenced 17 individuals to death by firing squad for allegedly spying for Israel and Western countries. The sentences, announced on Saturday, also include two additional prison terms and one acquittal, bringing the total number of defendants in the case to 20.

Details of the Houthi Espionage Case

According to Houthi-run media, the defendants were accused of forming “espionage cells affiliated with American, Israeli, and Saudi intelligence.” The court described the public executions as a deterrent to prevent future espionage operations within Yemen.

In addition to the death sentences, one woman and one man received 10-year prison terms, while another man was acquitted of all charges. Prosecutors claimed the alleged espionage activities occurred between 2024 and 2025, reportedly involving the United Kingdom in addition to Israel and the United States.

Alleged Operations and International Context

Houthi media claimed that the accused Yemeni citizens were in contact with Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, and their actions allegedly resulted in the targeting of military, security, and civilian sites, causing both deaths and destruction of infrastructure.

The case comes amid ongoing regional tensions. The United States and the United Kingdom carried out multiple air strikes across Yemen following Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, while the Houthis launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and international shipping in the Red Sea. Since a Gaza ceasefire last month, the Houthis have reportedly halted their attacks.

Escalating Violence in Yemen

Israel has conducted air strikes across Yemen, targeting infrastructure such as fuel tanks, power stations, and key port cities, often resulting in civilian casualties. In August, an Israeli air raid reportedly killed the prime minister of the Houthi government in Sanaa, along with several ministers, highlighting the intensifying conflict in the region.

The Houthis, who control Sanaa and northern Yemen following a decade-long takeover, have increasingly targeted UN and NGO offices, detaining local and international staff and confiscating equipment. Houthi authorities claim these measures are necessary to prevent Israeli operations in the country, despite international condemnation and calls for the release of detained personnel.

International Reactions and Implications

The international community, including the United Nations, has expressed concern over the sentences and the growing crackdown on humanitarian organizations in Yemen. Analysts warn that the escalating espionage accusations and punitive measures could further destabilize the already fragile security situation in Yemen and the wider Middle East.

As tensions persist, the executions and legal actions are likely to attract significant attention from global media and human rights organizations, raising questions about due process, transparency, and the use of the death penalty as a tool of political control.