Taiz Security Committee Tightens Currency Regulations Amidst Houthi Road Openings

 The Taiz Security Committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Dr. Abdul Qawi Al-Mikhlafi, has issued strict instructions to regulate the flow of currency in and out of the governorate, including areas controlled by the Houthi group. The decision comes amidst a recent Houthi move to open roads in Taiz and Marib, raising questions about their motives.

The committee, which met on Saturday, June 22, 2024, highlighted the importance of implementing security measures and directives regarding currency movement, particularly in the newly opened "Al-Kamb - Al-Qasr" road. The meeting praised the efforts of the Yemeni army and other agencies in swiftly opening and preparing the road for travelers.

The Taiz Military Axis, affiliated with the Yemeni army, had previously issued directives on Thursday, June 20, to regulate currency movement. These directives, seen by Barran Press, instructed military units and security agencies to:

• Prevent the entry of old currency into liberated areas while allowing its exit to Houthi-controlled areas.
• Prohibit the export of foreign currencies (USD, Saudi Riyal, Euro) to Houthi-controlled areas.

The directives also permitted the entry and exit of new currency editions from and to government-controlled areas, with a limit of 200,000 Yemeni Riyals per transaction.

The Taiz Military Axis’s report presented during the meeting detailed ongoing Houthi attacks on army positions, including incidents during Eid al-Adha that resulted in injuries. The report also highlighted the axis’s successful defense against Houthi attempts to breach various fronts.

The security committee’s decision to tighten currency regulations is likely a response to concerns that the Houthis might exploit the newly opened roads for currency smuggling and to mitigate the impact of recent Central Bank of Yemen decisions in Aden. These decisions, including the relocation of the bank’s headquarters and a deadline for dealing with old currency, have been seen as a significant blow to the Houthis.

The committee’s actions underscore the ongoing tension between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group, despite the recent opening of roads. The security measures are aimed at safeguarding the Yemeni economy and preventing the Houthis from exploiting the situation for their own benefit.