Houthi Militants Block Yemen's Largest Water Factory Over Extortion Demands

Houthi militants imposed a blockade on the Shamlān mineral water factory, the largest water production facility in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Wednesday, completely halting its operations. Sources indicate the blockade was enacted to compel the factory's management to pay illegal financial levies.

The armed individuals, loyal to the Houthi militia, sealed the main gates of the factory, located in the Hadda area south of the capital, early in the morning. They set fire to old tires at the entrances, disrupting the movement of trucks and preventing employees and workers from entering or exiting the premises.

Sources further reported that the militants, under threat of arms, forced several adjacent businesses to close. This occurred amidst a heavy security presence surrounding the facility, an apparent effort to pressure the factory's administration into complying with financial demands described as "forced extortion."

Factory workers confirmed that Shamlān's management had requested intervention from security agencies under Houthi control to end the blockade and secure the facility. However, these agencies reportedly refused to act, leading to accusations of complicity with the militants.

The closure has resulted in a complete cessation of production and distribution activities. A state of tension prevails in the vicinity of the factory, with concerns about the broader implications of the crisis on the company's operations and the supply to the local market.

This incident is part of a pattern of repeated pressure exerted by the Houthis on the private sector. Economic sources report that the militia imposes exorbitant levies and taxes, which have led to the closure of companies or forced their owners into partnerships with individuals associated with the group.