Sana’a – Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement, has called on citizens to donate 100 Yemeni riyals ( 0,41 USD) per person to support the group’s naval forces.

In a televised speech, Al-Houthi stated that the campaign aims to enhance naval capabilities in light of what he described as “military challenges and U.S. escalation in the region”. He emphasized that public support would contribute to sustaining the confrontation and protecting Yemen’s maritime sovereignty.

Controversy Over the Call

The appeal has sparked mixed reactions among Yemenis. While some see it as an added burden amid a severe economic crisis affecting most citizens, Houthi supporters consider it a necessary step to strengthen naval defenses amid rising regional tensions.

This is not the first time the Houthis have launched fundraising campaigns to support their forces. The group has previously called on Yemenis to make financial and material contributions under the banners of resistance support and military capability enhancement.

Escalating Tensions

This development comes as clashes between the Houthis and the United States intensify, with U.S. forces escalating airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

As of now, there have been no official reports on the level of public response to the donation call. However, it is expected that the Houthis will continue their mobilization and fundraising efforts in the coming period.