In Yemen, child soldiering continues despite Houthi promise

By SAMY MAGDY
Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — Two officials say the Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen, known as Houthis, have recruited several hundred children, including those as young as 10 years of age over the past two months. Four aid workers say they observed intensified efforts by the Houthis in recent weeks to recruit children, despite a nationwide truce. The Houthis’ ranks have been thinned because of battlefield losses. One Yemeni father said he was told his family would not receive food aid if he didn’t send his children to a rebel training camp. Two Houthi officials, both hard-liners within the rebel movement, say they see nothing wrong with the practice since boys from 10 or 12 are considered men.