The ongoing conflict in Yemen has drawn international scrutiny, particularly concerning the actions of the Houthi militia. Recently, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al-Jaber, emphasized how the Houthis are allegedly leveraging the prevailing humanitarian and economic crises in Yemen to bolster their military endeavors while sabotaging chances for peace.
Exploitation of State Resources for Military Gains
In a statement shared on social media, Al-Jaber claimed that the Iran-backed Houthis have been redirecting state revenue, including taxes, customs duties, and income from telecommunications, to finance attacks targeting both the Yemeni populace and Saudi territory. This financial diversion occurs even as the group neglects the disbursement of public sector salaries and essential services in areas they control. For instance, the ambassador spotlighted Taiz, a city under siege by Houthi forces, where civilians are reportedly denied access to food and medical supplies.
Al-Jaber cited a 2024 report from a UN Panel of Experts, which revealed that the Houthis utilized telecommunications networks to generate funds for their military arsenal. Estimates suggest that between April 2022 and June 2024, the Houthis amassed around 994 billion Yemeni riyals ($4.2 billion) from customs duties alone, with an overall revenue from the fuel sector approximating 1.34 trillion Yemeni riyals during the same period. Furthermore, a US Treasury Department release indicated that the militia may be earning $2 billion annually from illicit oil smuggling.
Obstruction of Peace Processes
Al-Jaber portrayed the Houthis as masters of manipulation, claiming they exploit crises to apply political pressure while portraying themselves as victims of circumstance. This strategy, he argued, has led to a devastated nation where ordinary citizens suffer from the consequences of conflicts fueled by the militia’s disregard for peace agreements. He pointed out that the Houthis have bypassed their obligations under Yemen’s National Dialogue and a UN-sponsored roadmap aiming for peace, instead dragging the country into wider regional hostilities.
Moreover, the ambassador dismissed the Houthis’ assertions of a blockade on Yemen, articulating that ports under Houthi control in Hodeidah continue to receive necessities like food, medicine, and fuel. He also highlighted incidents where the group has hindered peace efforts, such as the seizure of Yemeni Airways aircraft in June 2024 and the disruption caused at Sanaa International Airport, which ultimately led to significant destruction during conflict episodes.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Concerns
The remarks come amid intensifying clashes between Yemen’s internationally recognized government and Houthi militia, marked by increased attacks on government-held territories. The violence has severely exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Taiz, with supply routes increasingly cut off and prices for basic goods skyrocketing. Local authorities reported that recent missile strikes resulted in casualties among civilians, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian access.
In response to the ongoing chaos, Al-Jaber reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and supporting the Yemeni government in achieving stability. He reiterated the Kingdom’s dedication to helping the Yemeni people until both peace and prosperity can be restored to the war-torn nation. As the conflict endures, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain tenuous, overshadowed by escalating militancy and deepening humanitarian challenges.