Houthi Group Attempts to Destroy Historic Natural Spring in Sanaa

A Houthi-affiliated group has reportedly attacked and attempted to fill in the Al-Sharaq natural sulfur spring and its associated bathhouse in the Jarf Valley, Sanaa governorate, threatening the destruction of a facility that has served the public free of charge for over half a century.

Local sources indicate that individuals associated with the Houthi militia infiltrated the site at night, damaging parts of the natural bathhouse and attempting to bury the sulfur spring. These actions follow previous unsuccessful attempts to seize the location for commercial exploitation.

The incident occurs amid a proliferation of private resorts and chalets in the Balad al-Rous district. Observers suggest these developments may be linked to efforts to undermine the free public facility and direct visitors toward adjacent profit-making ventures.

Residents of the area have expressed strong condemnation of the attack, which they argue targets the right of the less fortunate to access natural healing resources. They emphasized that the bathhouse functions as a charitable endowment for all individuals.

Activists have issued warnings that allowing the destruction of the sulfur spring could set a precedent for the confiscation of public natural resources for private gain. They are urging relevant authorities in Sanaa governorate to swiftly apprehend those responsible and protect the spring and bathhouse from further damage and private interests.