Houthis detain merchants in southern Marib districts and force them to write written pledges not to bring goods from government-controlled areas

The Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the international community and backed by Iran, is accused of preventing merchants in southern Marib, under their control, from bringing goods from Marib city and government-held areas, according to tribal sources and local residents.

Sources told Barran Press that Houthi militants at the “Jubah” checkpoint in southern Marib are detaining merchants from the “Jabal Murad” district and forcing them to sign pledges not to import goods from Marib city.

The sources added that Houthi elements have threatened merchants in the districts of Juba, Jabal Murad, Mahliyah, Rahbah, and Al-Abdiyah with arrest and heavy fines to be paid to the “Afar Customs” in Bayda governorate if they bring food supplies from Marib city and areas under the control of the legitimate government.

This action by the Houthis is seen as a deliberate attempt to strangle the flow of goods into areas under their control, potentially leading to shortages and price hikes. It also highlights the group's increasing control over economic activity in the region, further tightening their grip on the population.