Houthis Demand Immediate Surrender of All Starlink Devices in Areas Under Their Control
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Sanaa issued a statement yesterday outlining the directive, specifying that devices must be handed over to the Public Telecommunications Corporation (PTC).
It warned that failure to comply will prompt a coordinated campaign with security forces to confiscate unauthorised equipment, with penalties imposed on individuals found selling, distributing, or possessing these banned devices.
The Houthis' aggressive stance against independent internet services underscores their reliance on telecom monopolies for both revenue and repression. By mandating use of their heavily monitored networks, they aim to eliminate financial leaks and suppress dissent—a tactic characteristic of authoritarian consolidation.
In September, Yemen became the first Middle Eastern country to launch Starlink services, a development welcomed by many due to the country's unreliable local networks. Elon Musk, the owner of the service, confirmed Starlink's official availability in Yemen.
Analysts suggest the Houthis' crackdown on Starlink stems from their anxiety over losing a key instrument of economic and security dominance. With communities increasingly turning to these alternatives, the militia risks losing its grip on controlled communication channels—potentially empowering people with uncensored information access.
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