A court in Yemen's capital, controlled by the Houthi movement, has upheld death sentences for nine individuals convicted of espionage. The men were accused of spying for foreign countries and are alleged to have engaged in activities deemed harmful to national security. While some sentences in a broader espionage case were reduced or overturned, the death penalties for these nine remain unchanged, with eight in custody and one still at large.

The verdicts come amid heightened tensions in the region, following Houthi attacks on international shipping and Israel since late last year. The group has frequently issued death sentences in similar cases during its years of control over much of Yemen. International organizations and governments have condemned the Houthis' actions, including the detention of United Nations and embassy staff, and these moves have prompted retaliatory airstrikes by several countries.

Recent Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa resulted in the deaths of numerous Houthi officials, escalating the conflict further. The situation reflects ongoing instability and the complex interplay of local and international actors in Yemen.