The Minister of Information stated that the Houthi announcement banning American goods is a propaganda move reflecting the militia’s bankruptcy and manipulation of its followers.

Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has condemned the recent announcement by Houthi leader Mahdi Al-Mashat, which imposes a forced ban on American goods in areas controlled by the Houthi militia. Al-Eryani described this move as a publicity stunt that highlights the militia’s political and economic failures. He emphasized that the Houthis continue to manipulate their followers with religious and populist slogans that do not reflect reality.

Economic Implications of the Ban

In a press statement, Al-Eryani pointed out that this announcement mirrors previous claims by the Houthis regarding “sanctions” on American companies involved in the arms and energy sectors. He characterized these claims as mere media displays lacking any practical enforcement, especially given the fragile economic situation and limited trade with the United States.

Al-Eryani asserted that the Houthi decision contradicts basic economic logic and ignores the realities faced by citizens. He noted that the areas under Houthi control hold no significant weight in the American trade landscape. Meanwhile, Yemeni citizens have suffered from declining purchasing power and deteriorating living conditions for years, largely due to the militia’s seizure of state employee salaries and its destruction of the private sector through extortion and organized violations.

Timing and Language of the Announcement

Al-Eryani highlighted that the most striking aspect of the announcement is not its content but its timing and oppressive language. Al-Mashat granted traders a three-month grace period before implementing a complete ban on American goods, threatening strict measures against those who do not comply. This approach effectively shifts the burden of these policies onto Yemeni traders and consumers, rather than American companies.

Impact on Local Traders

Traders in Sana’a and Houthi-controlled areas have faced significant losses since the militia’s takeover, primarily due to the economic chaos imposed by the Houthis and their illegal control over commercial activities. Al-Eryani warned that the latest decision would lead to further collapse in the commercial sector, underscoring that the militia operates without any economic vision and is entirely driven by slogans aligned with Iranian interests.

Distraction from Internal Failures

In conclusion, Al-Eryani stated that such actions reveal the Houthis’ attempts to divert attention from their internal failures and inability to provide even basic services. He noted that the militia resorts to fabricating imaginary conflicts, using citizens and traders as new sacrifices on the altar of political propaganda, all to serve the agendas of the Iranian regime and its expansionist project in the region.

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