Houthi rebels, designated as a terrorist group by numerous countries, have cut off a vital road connecting over 20 villages in Arhab and Hamdan districts, north of Sana'a, according to local sources and residents.

The sources told "Barran Press" that the Houthis blocked the road ten days ago, adding that affected residents had reported the issue to Houthi authorities in the Dhauran district, but received no response.

The de-facto authorities controlled by the Houthis have been accused of "colluding with the Houthi elements to cut off the road," with the aim of "extorting local residents and imposing exorbitant levies on qat sales under the pretext of preventing drug smuggling."

The blocked road, a "long-standing route," passes through the Jahaliya area, specifically Beit Dooda, and connects Hamdan with over 20 villages in Arhab.

"Barran Press" obtained images and videos showing large black rocks piled across the rugged road, blocking vehicles and hindering movement. Local residents described the road closure as a "crime" committed without justification, severely impacting their daily lives and mobility.

The majority of the residents in Arhab and Hamdan depend on qat cultivation as their primary source of income and livelihood. The road closure has significantly disrupted their ability to transport their produce and access markets, further exacerbating their economic hardship.