The Minister of Information stated that the Houthis operate a systematic looting network that drains Yemenis’ funds and worsens their suffering.

Houthi Militia’s Systematic Exploitation of Yemeni Citizens

Minister’s Statement on Houthi Practices

Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has condemned the Houthi militia for its ongoing “systematic looting” of citizens in areas under its control. He stated that since their coup against the state, the militia has imposed illegal taxes, fees, and levies under various pretexts. This exploitation has turned daily life for Yemenis into a struggle, draining their limited incomes and depriving them of basic rights to a dignified life.

Illegal Taxation and Economic Burden

Al-Eryani highlighted that the Houthi militia has established an illegal network for collecting taxes, targeting both citizens and private businesses. They often use baseless accusations to justify the closure or seizure of businesses that refuse to comply with their demands for payment.

In the port of Hodeidah, the militia imposes exorbitant and illegal customs duties on imports of oil derivatives and commercial goods. This practice raises the prices of essential commodities, exacerbating the economic crisis for citizens. A report from the “Restoration” initiative revealed that the militia collected approximately $789.9 million in taxes and customs duties from imports through Hodeidah between May 2023 and June 2024.

Impact on Internal Trade and Prices

The militia does not stop at seizing sovereign resources; it also imposes internal taxes on goods transported between provinces at various checkpoints. This practice has led to soaring prices and a decline in citizens’ purchasing power. A report from the UN Security Council’s expert committee estimated these illegal fees at around 3.392 trillion Yemeni rials in 2023.

Fictitious Charges and War Financing

Al-Eryani pointed out that the Houthis impose fees under fictitious categories such as cleanliness, improvement, health office, and construction on various sectors, including markets, shops, universities, schools, hospitals, and even farmers and street vendors. These fees generate hundreds of billions for the militia without any oversight.

Moreover, the militia claims to levy a “war effort” tax to fund its military fronts. They exploit sectarian occasions, such as the Prophet’s birthday and Ashura, to impose taxes on traders and citizens. They also use the false narrative of “military manufacturing” to collect funds for what they claim are missile and drone production projects.

Coercive Collection of Zakat

The Houthis have reportedly coerced citizens into paying zakat, with contributions reaching 43 billion Yemeni rials in 2019 and 145 billion in 2020. They also impose a “khums” tax of 20% on business profits and have raised endowment rents by over 300%, redirecting these funds to their own accounts.

Exploitation of Regulatory Bodies

Al-Eryani noted that the militia has turned the Standards and Specifications Authority into a new tool for extortion, imposing fines under the pretext of non-compliance. Additionally, they have initiated forced donation campaigns for Hezbollah and Iranian proxies under the guise of “supporting resistance,” blatantly exploiting the poverty of Yemenis.

Increased Pressure Amid Sanctions

Recently, the militia has intensified its efforts to collect taxes and levies, citing the need to counter U.S. sanctions imposed on its leaders and funding networks. Those who refuse to pay face arbitrary detention and the closure of their businesses on fabricated charges, leading to economic stagnation, bankruptcy among traders, and a decline in living conditions for citizens.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

Al-Eryani emphasized that the militia uses the stolen funds to prolong its coup against the state, finance its war machine, and conduct forced recruitment of children. Despite these massive collections, they have not paid state employees’ salaries for ten years.

He concluded that this systematic looting of Yemeni citizens’ resources underscores the militia’s reliance on their suffering. Stopping these illegal practices is crucial for restoring the state and safeguarding the livelihoods and dignity of Yemenis.

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