Yemen’s Information Minister Muammar Al-Iryani blamed the Houthis for the missing salaries of government employees after he claimed the militia looted nearly $160 million from the Central Bank, state news agency Saba New reported.
Minister Muammar Al-Iryani said on Monday that the Houthis halted the government’s arrangements - under international sponsorship - to pay government employees’ wages from the salary account of the Central Bank branch in Al-Hodeidah city.
The Houthis also looted proceeds from imports of oil derivatives from the port Hodeidah without coordinating or notifying the UN envoy to Yemen, the minister added.
The Houthi militia continues to plunder billions in areas under their control, the minister claimed, explaining that it was possible to give a full salary to state employees on a regular basis if the looted funds and the revenue of Hodeidah port were returned to the central bank.
Al-Iryani said the government wanted to put a stop to the Houthis’ looting and illegal taxation as it was political exploitation.
The minister claimed the Houthi militia use propaganda to mislead public opinion and cover up their continued looting of staff salaries and public revenues in areas under their control.
