Sana'a -- A local businessman in the Yemeni capital Sana’a has accused an armed group affiliated with a senior Houthi commander of intentionally setting fire to his vehicle in the early hours of Monday, triggering a wave of public anger and condemnation across social media platforms.

According to eyewitnesses and preliminary reports, the incident occurred around dawn in a residential district of Sana’a, where the investor’s car was found engulfed in flames. 

Surveillance footage and local testimonies suggest that the act was deliberate, allegedly carried out by individuals linked to a Houthi military figure.

The victim, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed for security reasons, stated that the attack followed a series of threats and extortion attempts related to his business operations. 

He called on authorities to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

The news quickly spread online, with activists, journalists, and citizens expressing outrage over what they described as a blatant act of intimidation and lawlessness. 

Hashtags condemning the attack and calling for justice trended across Yemeni social media, with many users highlighting the growing risks faced by private sector actors under Houthi-controlled areas.

Rights groups and economic observers warn that such incidents reflect a deteriorating environment for investment and civil liberties, as armed factions increasingly exert control over commercial activity through coercion and violence.

As of Monday evening, Houthi authorities had not issued an official response. Demands for transparency and protection of civilian property continue to mount amid broader concerns over impunity and the erosion of rule of law in Sana’a.