Dozens Detained in Campaign Against Christians
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Dozens Detained in Campaign Against Christians

A church on a hill is surrounded by trees.
A former church in Yemen.
Photo: Wikipedia (CC)

In many parts of the world, opposition is expected for those who commit their lives to Christ. Unfortunately, obtaining reliable information from some of these regions is often difficult – and Yemen is no exception. Late last year, Houthi rebels, who control approximately one-third of the country, launched a campaign of arbitrary detentions specifically targeting Christians. In January 2026 alone, more than 50 followers of Jesus were arrested, while another 43 had been abducted.

One believer in Yemen realized that he could potentially be apprehended during the rebels' campaign. In preparation, he devoted himself to the memorization of Scripture, explaining, "I want to be a 'walking Bible,' so that wherever I'm taken, I can share about Jesus." These words proved to be part of the Christian man's final conversation before his sudden disappearance. Most of the recently detained individuals have been prevented from communicating with any of their family members or legal representatives, and officials refuse to mention whether the believers are being held in custody.

Despite growing opposition, Yemen's underground church continues to expand – and it urgently needs prayer. Commenting on the recent arrests of these Christians, VOMC's CEO, Floyd Brobbel, urges: "Pray that they would be 'wise as serpents' and 'innocent as doves.' Pray that they would be effective in reaching their enemies for Christ." He further adds, "With opposition comes opportunity." For more information on the persecution of Christians in Yemen, and the various ways you can pray for them, visit our country profile.

  • Prayerfully uphold our detained brothers and sisters in Christ, asking the Lord to ensure their safety and well-being, and provide needed comfort and strength to their concerned loved ones.
  • In general, pray that all Christians living in Yemen, who are striving to shine Christ's light amid deep spiritual darkness, will receive guidance from the Holy Spirit and the empowerment to remain faithful witnesses of God's grace.
  • Despite possible threats of danger, may the Lord bring about many open doors of opportunity for His followers to effectively reach others in their communities with the 'Good News of the Gospel' – including those who oppose them – using these challenging times to further advance His Kingdom.
  • Country Information

    Population
    31,565,602 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity
    predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

    Religion (%)
    Muslim 99.1%, other 0.9%

    Leader
    Chairperson of the Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Muhammad al-Alimiadi (2022)

    Government type
    In transition

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of Islamic law, Napoleonic law, English common law, and customary law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Yemen

    Pray that the small body of believers will find deep and sustaining joy in their faithfulness.

    Pray that the gospel will penetrate the hearts of many Yemeni people.

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Yemen News

  • Dozens Detained in Campaign Against Christians
    A church on a hill is surrounded by trees.
    A former church in Yemen.
    Photo: Wikipedia (CC)

    In many parts of the world, opposition is expected for those who commit their lives to Christ. Unfortunately, obtaining reliable information from some of these regions is often difficult – and Yemen is no exception. Late last year, Houthi rebels, who control approximately one-third of the country, launched a campaign of arbitrary detentions specifically targeting Christians. In January 2026 alone, more than 50 followers of Jesus were arrested, while another 43 had been abducted.

    Read more...

  • Kidnapped Mission Worker Released
    Kidnapped worker
    Christian aid worker
    Father Tom Uzhunnalil
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    On October 1st, a mission aid worker who served at the Missionaries of Charity Centre -- a residential home for the elderly in Aden, Yemen -- was released after 18 months of captivity. As Father Tom Uzhunnalil arrived at his home in the southern state of Kerala, India, he was greeted with a celebratory welcome by numerous members of his community.

    The large gathering consisted of over a dozen senior governmental leaders (representing a range of political parties), dozens of media personnel, and many exuberant Christians representing various denominations...all of whom were rejoicing over his recent release.

    Read more...

  • Abducted Missionary's Urgent Appeal
    Tom Uzhunnalil
    Tom Uzhunnalil

    Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a mission aid worker abducted by terrorists in strife-torn Yemen, has made a recent video appeal for urgent help after getting "poor response" from governing authorities in India. The video-taped message addresses his deteriorating health and the fact that he urgently requires hospitalization.

    Originally from Kerala, India, the 58-year-old ministry worker had been captured from the southern Yemeni city of Aden after the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group attacked a seniors' home run by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. During the attack, gunmen stormed the 'refuge for the elderly' on March 4th, 2016, killing a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting at least 16 other employees. Foreign missionaries serving as nurses were among those killed.

    Read more...

  • Kidnapped Mission Worker Pleas for Help
    Kidnapped Worker
    Tom Uzhunnalil

    Tom Uzhunnalil, a Christian missionary worker from India, was kidnapped last year during a violent attack on a Christian nursing home in Aden. On March 4th, gunmen burst into the residential facility and went from room to room, handcuffing full-time staff members and volunteers before executing 16 of them. Workers from India, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Yemen were killed.

    The facility cares for 80 poor, elderly and disabled Yemeni citizens, none of whom were physically harmed during the attack. Recently, on Christmas Day, militants released a video of Tom pleading for help and stating that he was kidnapped because he was working for "the Christian religion and the church." VOMC's previously posted report on the attack can be reviewed by going to this page.

    Pray that the Lord's presence and peace will continue to surround the abducted believer, sustaining him with a clear certainty of the Holy Spirit's presence throughout this ordeal. May Tom's dedicated life and testimony serve to reveal the power of the living God to those who are holding him captive. Thank you for joining us in praying that this mission worker's freedom will soon be granted. In addition, uphold all who are still grieving the loss of the residential workers due to the March 2016 attack. Pray that the facility will be able to continue caring for the nursing home residents -- Yemen's most vulnerable citizens -- without the threat of any further attack.

    Read more...

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