Yemen Central Bank Freezes Assets of 135 Individuals and Entities Linked to Terrorism

The Central Bank of Yemen, operating from the interim capital of Aden, has issued an urgent directive to all banks, exchange houses, and financial institutions to freeze the accounts, funds, and assets of 135 individuals, entities, and vessels.

The directive, issued on October 20, 2026, by the Banking Supervision Sector, strictly prohibits any financial or commercial transactions with those listed. This measure is a direct implementation of Decree No. (17) of 2026, issued by the Public Prosecutor on October 19, aimed at enforcing national anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering sanctions.

According to the documentation accompanying the circular, the list includes prominent figures associated with the Houthi militia, which lacks international recognition. The individuals targeted hold various roles across critical sectors, including finance, banking, petroleum, telecommunications, and maritime transport, as well as those operating commercial entities within Houthi-controlled territories.

The sanctions list features high-profile names such as Ali Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi and Mohammed Salah Falita. Furthermore, the directive encompasses current and former officials who have held positions within the Houthi-aligned Central Bank in Sanaa, the Ministry of Finance, and state-run institutions for oil and telecommunications, alongside personnel linked to the Cooperative and Agricultural Credit Bank (CAC Bank) and the National Bank of Yemen.