Gargash says Houthis are looting Yemen
As people starve, billions are taken from treasury and spent on homes and cars for supporters of militias
Dr Anwar Gargash said yesterday that Houthi rebels in Yemen were looting up to US$5 billion from the state to support their militias.
“The Houthi, with his grip on power in Sanaa, is holding on to control of the country’s income, which is estimated at between $3.5bn and $5bn a year – money that is spent on his supporters only and on supporting terrorist militias,” the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said.
“Studies show that despite the war, the importation of vehicles into Houthi-controlled areas and the building of residences for their supporters are witnessing a major boom, no doubt from finances from the looted state treasury.”
Dr Gargash said “the manifestations of major looting” would soon become clear as the cover had been lifted, in reference to the Houthis’ former alliance with forces loyal to ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Saleh was killed by the Iranbacked rebels this month and his party members in the General People’s Congress part are being targeted by them.
On Friday, the UN special envoy to Yemen said he had met Dr Gargash and other UAE officials to discuss the situation.
“What is happening in Sanaa is unacceptable and against humanitarian international law,” Dr Ismail Ahmed said. “We need to put an end to the targeting of GPC leaders, activists and their families.”
A Saudi-led coalition, which includes the UAE, is fighting in Yemen on behalf of the internationally recognised government against the Houthi forces, who control Sanaa and much of the country.
Three years of war have killed more than 10,000 people and taken the country to the brink of famine.
In an effort to alleviate suffering, the UAE continues to provide relief and development assistance, which has reached more than $2bn.
The Emirates Red Crescent has also treated many wounded Yemenis and sent several medical convoys in support.
Twenty-three Yemenis returned to their home country yesterday as part of the UAE’s humanitarian assistance. They were flown to India eight months ago for treatment paid for by the Emirates Red Crescent.
At Aden International Airport, emotions ran high as the Yemenis expressed their gratitude towards the UAE leadership.
“We cannot describe our feelings towards the UAE, its leaders and its people,” said Yemeni Abdulmalik Mansoor. “Our words will not be enough to show our appreciation to our second homeland, the UAE, because they put smiles back on our faces.”
For Nasser Anis, going back to Yemen and being able to walk again was nothing short of a miracle.
“When I got on a plane months ago I was on a stretcher, unable to move,” Mr Anis said.
“Today I am back at the same airport but, thank God, I am standing on my feet and the UAE is behind the joy I feel.”
Mr Anis said he and his countrymen received excellent medical treatment and psychological support. He said he would do anything to protect “the country of charity and giving, the UAE”.
Dr Ishraq Al Subaei, Yemen’s assistant undersecretary of the ministry of public health and population, said that this was the fifth group of Yemenis whose treatment in India was paid for by the UAE.
“This is not strange at all that the UAE would pay for this,” Dr Al Subaei said. “It shares our suffering, and it works hard to alleviate the harsh consequences of war,” she said.
The UAE has sent hundreds of Yemenis to receive medical treatment in Jordan, India and Sudan.
A picture is emerging from Yemen of Houthis turning on allies such as Saleh and making the revenues of impoverished country their own