In Yemen, aid groups are sounding the alarm following the U.S. move to designate Houthi rebels as a terrorist group. The U.N. is warning of “famine not seen in 40 years.” Houthis control Yemen’s capital Sana’a, running financial institutions and coordinating with international groups that supply food and other essentials to the area. Yemenis also rely heavily on remittances, which have already fallen during the pandemic and which could now be further disrupted.
Yosra Abdullah: “My family and I depend for a big part on expatriates for our livelihood. I have relatives in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. and in other countries. I depend on them for my expenses. If the decision is enacted, it will hit remittances, and my family’s situation will deteriorate. The decision works against us, and the private sector is in danger. Work can stop at any moment.”