Sources within the Houthi-controlled capital Sana'a have revealed a series of retaliatory measures the group is planning in response to recent decisions by the internationally recognized Central Bank of Yemen in Aden. These measures include threats against oil infrastructure and internet cables, according to sources speaking to Baran Press on Thursday, June 6th, 2024.

The Houthi leadership, designated as a terrorist group by several countries, has identified oil infrastructure as a key target. Sources indicate the group is preparing to attack oil facilities in areas controlled by the internationally recognized government, potentially mirroring previous attacks on oil fields in Shabwa and Hadhramaut. A Houthi leader had already hinted at such actions in May, threatening to halt oil extraction from the Safer oil fields in Marib.

The Houthis have a history of disrupting Yemen's oil production, having previously launched attacks on oil export terminals in southern Yemen. These attacks, beginning in October 2023, targeted the al-Dhubah terminal, followed by a series of attacks on the Al-Nashima and Qana terminals in Shabwa. These actions crippled oil revenue for the Yemeni government, depriving it of a vital source of income. The Yemeni government estimates that oil revenue constitutes 70% of its budget, and the Houthi attacks are believed to have cost the government over a billion dollars, funds intended for public services and salary payments.

In addition to oil infrastructure, the sources revealed that the Houthis are preparing to target internet cables in the Red Sea. High-level Houthi officials, including the Minister of Communications in the unrecognized Houthi government, Masfer al-Nimer, met in Sana'a to discuss maps of internet cable routes in the Red Sea. Al-Nimer has been tasked with creating comprehensive maps of the internet and communications cable network in the Red Sea within a week.

These threats come in response to recent decisions by the Central Bank of Yemen in Aden. On May 30th, the bank issued a decision (No. 20 of 2024) ordering the closure of six Yemeni banks and financial institutions that failed to relocate their headquarters to Aden within a 60-day timeframe. The bank also issued a directive requiring individuals, businesses, and financial institutions to deposit old Yemeni riyal banknotes (pre-2016) within 60 days.

The Central Bank's actions have been met with defiance from the Houthis, who view them as a direct challenge to their control over the north. The Houthi threats against oil infrastructure and internet cables highlight the escalating tensions between the two sides and raise concerns about the potential for further violence and disruption in Yemen.