Three Sana'a Mosques Closed Due to Pest Infestation Amid Houthi Neglect

Three mosques in Sana'a have been closed to worshippers due to a severe infestation of pests and the subsequent spread of disease, a situation local residents attribute to deliberate neglect by Houthi authorities.

Residents of the capital have reported an unprecedented level of sanitary neglect in mosques, with some now shut down as a result of rampant insect infestations and the emergence of epidemics. This decline occurs under the control of the Houthi militia, with a complete absence of oversight from relevant bodies responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of places of worship.

Local sources confirmed that the "Katen" pest, a particularly troublesome insect, has spread alarmingly throughout mosque carpets and furnishings. This has transformed these places, intended for tranquility and cleanliness, into breeding grounds for infection and pests. Furthermore, militia members have reportedly been using these spaces for resting and sleeping, exacerbating the unsanitary conditions.

Sources indicate that this neglect has forced the caretakers of several mosques to close their doors for weeks. Masjid Faisal has remained closed for seven consecutive days, following the closures of Masjid Abdullah bin Masoud and Masjid Salahuddin.

Citizens have expressed serious concerns about the potential transmission of these pests into their homes via the clothing of worshippers. They note that cleaning the carpets is no longer an effective solution, and there is an urgent need for complete replacement.

Questions are escalating among Sana'a residents regarding the fate of the substantial revenues collected by the militia under the designations of "Endowments" and "Zakat." These funds are ostensibly meant for the upkeep and cleanliness of mosques. Instead, places of worship are left in a state of squalor, with insect infestations reminiscent of the bygone Imamate eras.

Observers suggest that the resurgence of the "Katen" pest, coinciding with outbreaks of other diseases such as measles, reflects the systemic collapse of the health and service sectors since the militia's coup. They argue this demonstrates the authorities' deliberate failure to provide basic public services while prioritizing the collection of taxes and levies.