Houthi militia shuts down a commercial market linked to Al-Shabab Club in Ibb, paving the way for land confiscation.

The Houthi militia has closed a commercial market associated with the Al-Shaab Ibb Sports Club, located in the heart of Ibb Governorate. This recent action is part of a two-year campaign aimed at shutting down the club’s operations and seizing its land.

Closure Without Legal Justification

In a statement released by the club’s media representative, it was reported that five armed vehicles belonging to Houthi security forces closed the wholesale vegetable market linked to the club’s investments on Monday. This closure occurred without any judicial orders or directives from the public prosecution, violating the rights of both the club and its tenants.

The statement further indicated that this action serves the personal interests of “Muin Al-Abraki,” a competitor backed by the Houthis, who has repeatedly attempted to relocate the market using his influence to undermine public interest.

Threat to Sports and Community Rights

The club condemned the militia’s actions, describing them as a blatant disregard for laws and ethics. They emphasized that this closure poses a direct threat to the club’s stability and constitutes a serious violation of its rights and resources, adversely affecting its sports and social activities.

The club remains committed to defending its legal and financial rights and will continue to operate within the framework of law to protect its assets. The administrative body pledged to work diligently to secure the club’s future and aspirations while urging relevant authorities to reconsider these actions.

Detention of Activist Over Market Closure

In a related incident, the Houthi militia detained activist Ibrahim Al-Azi for his support of a post by former Al-Shaab Ibb player Ihab Al-Nazili, which addressed the militia’s closure of the club’s market.

Over the past two years, the militia has failed in its attempts to move the wholesale vegetable market from the Al-Shaab club’s land in Al-Dhahr to the “Green Brigade” market in the “Sabl” area, which is owned by Houthi investor Muin Al-Abraki from Amran.

Strategic Land Seizure Plans

According to informed sports sources, the militia aims to clear the market site, which is situated in a prime location in Ibb—an area known for its high-value real estate compared to other Yemeni cities. This move appears to be a precursor to a larger plan to seize the land.

Throughout the years of the Houthi takeover, the militia has systematically appropriated the lands of Ibb sports clubs and leased them to investors. Additionally, they have continued to occupy sports facilities in the governorate, negatively impacting the performance of local clubs in various sports competitions.

This situation highlights ongoing tensions in Ibb and raises significant concerns about the future of sports and community rights under the current regime.

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