In Aden, Yemeni activists still live in fear
Two years after Houthi rebels were expelled from Aden, Yemenis are fleeing the port city as militias and extremists are increasingly targeting activists, intellectuals and anyone opposing their views.
SANAA, Yemen — During its modern history, Aden has represented a unique model for coexistence and tolerance, as it is the only city in Yemen housing citizens from all regions, religions and races. But its history has been put to the test like never before.
Since the Houthis and former President Ali Abdullah Saleh were expelled from Aden in July 2015, following 3½ months of bloody battles with forces loyal to President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who is backed by the Arab coalition forces, Aden’s openness has declined amid the takeover of extremist groups such as the Islamic State (IS), al-Qaeda and the Salafists.
