Houthi rebels are notorious for attacking shipping in the Red Sea but a new report accuses them of unleashing atrocities on civilians within Yemen. Militants are accused of nearly 8,000 human rights violations including 300 deaths.

The report claims 69 children and 38 women have died as a result of shelling, sniping, and landmines. It alleges more than 4,400 children have been “forcibly recruited”.

There are also allegations of people being tortured to death, mass executions, and assassinations. The report by the Yemeni National Coalition of Independent Women claims Houthis are responsible for “war crimes and crimes against humanity”.

The group recorded 646 arrests, 241 enforced disappearances, and 202 cases of torture – including seven fatalities due to torture. It warns Yemen faces “an unprecedented humanitarian and human rights crisis due to the militia’s actions”.

Dr Wesam Basindawa, President of the National Coalition of Independent Women, said: “The Houthis are breaking international law every day. From targeting women and children to torturing unlawful prisoners, there are no depths that they will not sink to.

“It is time for the international community to take real action against this group of criminals. They have been allowed to carry out their crimes against Yemenis and others for far too long. The Houthis must be forced to release their prisoners, to lay down their weapons and must be prosecuted to the full extent of international law for the atrocities that they have carried out.”

Former Brexit minister David Jones said: “This report lays bare the full extent of the viciousness of the Houthi terrorist militia. Quite apart from their attacks on the military and civil assets of the UK and its allies, the Houthis are inflicting death and misery upon their fellow Yemenis in large numbers.

“It must never be forgotten that the Houthis are proxies for the Iranian regime, which routinely exports terror around the Middle East and the wider world. Not only must the Houthi leadership be prosecuted and punished for their crimes, so should the clerical fanatics in Tehran, who have armed and encouraged them in their criminal activities.”

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “The Houthis show little to no regard for the people of Yemen and the region. Yemen remains a human rights priority for the UK and we are clear on the need for the protection of civilians at all costs.

“We continue to take action to hold the Houthis reckless and irresponsible behaviour to account.”

Last year the UK imposed new sanctions on Houthi individuals and institutions judged to have aided Red Sea attacks.