The Minister of Information reports 313 permits for commercial ships to Houthi ports in 2026, debunking the “blockade” myth.

Minister of Information Exposes Houthi Claims of “Blockade”

Minister of Information Muammar Al-Eryani has revealed that official data regarding maritime permits to ports controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in 2026 debunks the militia’s ongoing claims of a “blockade.” He emphasized that these assertions serve merely as propaganda tools to mislead public opinion and justify the militia’s aggressive policies, which align with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s agenda in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, threatening international navigation and global trade.

Official Data Highlights Maritime Activity

Al-Eryani stated that the official figures indicate that the Houthi-controlled ports issued 313 permits for commercial vessels this year. This includes 45 permits for oil tankers, 157 permits for food and various goods, and 104 permits for construction materials, along with 7 permits for other vessels. These statistics confirm the continuous flow of essential goods to these ports, directly contradicting the militia’s claims of a “blockade,” which they exploit for political and media gains.

Houthi Narrative Serves Military Objectives

The Minister pointed out that the Houthi militia’s persistent promotion of the “blockade” narrative does not aim to alleviate the suffering of citizens. Instead, it seeks to justify their military escalation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab while legitimizing attacks on commercial vessels and threatening international navigation. This strategy aligns with directives from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which uses the militia as a tool to manipulate the international community and escalate regional tensions.

Financial Gains Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

While hundreds of commercial vessels have arrived at Houthi-controlled ports, the militia has continued to collect billions of riyals from oil sales, taxes, customs duties, and inflated fees on imports. However, these revenues have not been allocated to improve living conditions or pay salaries for employees who have gone unpaid for years. Instead, the militia has diverted these funds to finance its war efforts, purchase weapons, and recruit fighters, underscoring that the suffering of Yemenis serves as a means for political investment and military funding.

Call for International Accountability

Al-Eryani asserted that these facts and figures place a moral and legal responsibility on the international community and humanitarian organizations to expose the Houthi militia’s deception. He urged them not to allow the militia to continue using humanitarian issues as a cover for its military and terrorist activities or to further Iran’s agenda in Yemen and the region.

A Message to the Yemeni People

The Minister urged the Yemeni people living under Houthi control not to be deceived by the militia’s misleading campaigns regarding the “blockade.” He reiterated that the data and realities demonstrate that goods and fuel consistently reach these ports, while the revenues are funneled into war efforts and enriching militia leaders, rather than improving citizens’ lives or providing essential services.

In conclusion, the Minister’s statements highlight the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen while countering misinformation.

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