By Faisal Abu Bakr | 2026-02-27

The publication date is 2026-02-26

The Houthis' diversion of resources to Red Sea drone and missile campaigns and their war efforts has exacerbated hunger in Yemen.

The Houthis' actions have imposed war and famine on Yemenis, largely by depriving them of full access to the vital port of al-Hodeidah.

Sanctions to cut off the Houthis' financial resources are crucial for confronting the group, which acts in Iran's interest and disregards Yemeni humanitarian suffering.

Sanctions with evidence

On February 9, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against nearly twenty individuals and entities accused of financing the Houthi militia in Yemen.

"Sanctions are not imposed on the Houthi group and its financial entities without evidence, but the expansion of the Houthi military arsenal clearly indicates continued smuggling and external support," political analyst Faisal Ahmed told Al-Fassel.

Control of al-Hodeidah port

Sanctions are key to confronting the Houthis, who divert all resources, even international aid, to their war, worsening the famine they use as a weapon against Yemenis.

"Al-Hodeidah port has long been the lifeline for northern Yemen's food and fuel, but the Houthis' use of the vital facility for military leverage has profoundly disrupted the aid system," Muhammed al-Omda, head of the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms told Al-Fassel.

"The US Treasury's announcement of measures to cut off Houthi-linked funding for oil transfers, arms supplies, and financial services reflects a growing awareness of the dangerous war economy that fuels and prolongs the conflict," he added.

Even as 18 million Yemenis face food insecurity, the Houthis are shifting military priorities to the Red Sea, threatening US shipping with drones and missiles.

A serious violation in the Yemen war is exploiting basic needs for blackmail or recruitment.

Al-Omda's network documented repeated testimonies showing that access to food aid or social benefits is conditioned on joining Houthi fronts or demonstrating loyalty.

"The Houthis are weaponizing hunger for pressure and recruitment, using a starvation policy that includes suspending salaries and services, not just diverting aid," Yemen’s Deputy Minister of Human Rights Nabil Abdul Hafeez told Al-Fassel.

Suspension of aid

Field reports show that the dangerous humanitarian environment in Houthi-controlled areas has led to declining donor confidence and the suspension of some programs.

"With estimates showing nearly $10 billion in aid has been diverted from beneficiaries, strengthening digital tracking systems and empowering local communities with accountability mechanisms is necessary," al-Omda said.

Due to the Houthi group's detention of 73 United Nations staff, the World Food Programme (WFP) suspended all operations in Houthi-controlled areas in January 2026.

"Disrupting food programs where millions face hunger actively pushes the community toward a wider catastrophe," al-Omda added.

The internationally recognized government estimates Houthis have profited billions by manipulating aid and diverting resources.