Yemen prepares for protests against Houthis

Yemenis are mobilizing on social media in preparations for anticipated protests on Sunday against Houthi militias and forces loyal to Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The hashtag “I am protesting” (or Ana nazel in Arabic) started gaining steam on Twitter over the weekend with many in the capital Sanaa saying they are preparing day long demonstrations against what they say is “occupation of our land and rights” by Houthi militia forces.

The online mobilization is being considered a first for anti-coup activists, who started their efforts early on Thursday.

The planned protests come after a 72-hour truce for conflict-riddled Yemen is expected to be announced soon, the UN envoy to Yemen said on Friday after talks with militia representatives.

Three months of negotiations in Kuwait earlier this year ended without a breakthrough, dashing hopes for an end to the war between Shiite Houthi militias and government forces that has gripped Yemen for more than 18 months.

(Translation: We meet on Sunday to put an end to the scourge in Sanaa. It is your day of honor and for the Liberation of Yemen from this deadly cancer.)

(Translation: The people of Yemen refuse the Houthis, who have been subjugating our people and taking away our resources. Come out and protest!)

(Translation: People of Sanaa have announced a rebellion against the militia forces and forces loyal to Ali Abdullah Saleh in the biggest protests Yemen has seen yet.)