Moreover, the Houthi-Saleh rebel militias destroyed the country's infrastructure and converted schools and hospitals into military installations and training centers. "The Houthi-Saleh militias destroyed 29,422 buildings, including 3,557 public properties such as schools, hospitals, water systems, power grids and telecommunications networks. They blew up 25,865 homes, shops, vehicles, farms and factories." "The rebel militias also kidnapped and detained 16,804 rights activists, journalists and academicians. Of these 13,938 people were victims of arbitrary arrests." The rebels also recruited children, minors and women to further fuel their aggression on legitimacy in Yemen, Askar stressed. The Paris conference brought together Arab and non-Arab ambassadors, experts and representatives of the civil society and the media. --SPA 19:32 LOCAL TIME 16:32 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w377277