Yemen's Telecom Ministry Condemns Houthi Militarization of Communications Sector

Yemen's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has strongly condemned the Houthi militia's actions in weaponizing the telecommunications sector and its civilian networks for ongoing warfare against the Yemeni people.

In an official statement, the ministry warned of the grave dangers associated with employing this vital sector for military and security purposes, transforming it from a national service facility into a tool supporting terrorist operations. The statement detailed how the militia has increasingly exploited communication networks and infrastructure under its control to bolster military operations. This includes their use in directing operations, operating drones and projectiles, conducting espionage, and gathering information, including citizens' personal data, in a blatant violation of privacy and personal security.

Furthermore, the ministry highlighted the militia's deliberate dissemination of fake news, rumors, and misinformation to citizens, alongside the intentional disruption of services in conflict zones to serve their military and security agendas. The ministry specifically denounced the militia's قطع of internet and communication services in Taiz Governorate, describing it as part of systematic practices against civilians to conceal violations and deprive them of their fundamental right to communication and access to humanitarian services.

The ministry asserted that these practices constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the repurposing of civilian facilities for military objectives. It held the Houthi militia fully responsible for all resulting consequences.

The Ministry of Communications called upon the international community, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the United Nations to adopt a firm and proactive stance to pressure the militia into ceasing the politicization of the telecommunications sector and criminalizing the use of its infrastructure for military operations. Internally, the ministry issued an urgent appeal to engineers, technicians, and workers in the telecommunications sector in the occupied capital, Sana'a, urging them to uphold their national and professional responsibilities, reject any directives that exploit civilian networks for military or espionage purposes, and work to protect facilities and equipment from any terrorist use detrimental to citizens.

The ministry also cautioned citizens residing in militia-controlled areas about the risks of surveillance and espionage through the networks they operate, advising them to exercise the utmost caution. Concurrently, the ministry reassured the public that the government is making concerted efforts to provide secure and independent communication and internet alternatives in liberated areas, ensuring the continuity of services for citizens.