A prominent Houthi leader has resumed efforts to seize land belonging to a former military headquarters in Ibb Governorate, central Yemen. This action follows a nearly two-year halt due to widespread public opposition, with bulldozers and leveling equipment now re-mobilized under the pretext of establishing an investment project. Local sources reported that heavy machinery belonging to Houthi leader Faris Mannaa began clearing trees and leveling the ground of the Central Security Forces command headquarters at the Jabalat junction in Ibb city on Monday. This preparatory work is intended for new construction within the site, which the militia claims has been leased for a recreational project. The sources confirmed that these renewed activities have reignited concerns about a permanent appropriation of the site. They indicated that the so-called lease agreement may merely be a superficial cover to transfer control of the land to influential militia leaders for division, a scenario observed in similar cases marketed as investment projects that remained unimplemented for years. According to the sources, the Houthi militia had initiated procedures to hand over the military headquarters' land to Faris Mannaa approximately two years ago. However, a wave of extensive media and public criticism prompted the militia to temporarily suspend the plan. These developments occur amid persistent accusations against the Houthi militia of appropriating state lands and properties in areas under their control. Many of these assets have allegedly been converted into private or investment projects benefiting influential militia leaders, sparking widespread local discontent and amplifying fears of expanding unauthorized disposal of public assets. |
