In a shocking revelation, weapons dealers in Yemen are reportedly using social media to openly sell firearms, including Kalashnikovs, pistols, and grenades. This alarming trend is particularly prevalent in the capital, Sana’a, and regions controlled by the Houthis, an Iranian-backed rebel group classified as a terrorist organization by several international authorities.
Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former British Ambassador to Yemen and current expert at the Counter Extremism Project, expressed concerns over the operations of these dealers, suggesting they are likely acting on behalf of the Houthis. He stated, “It is inconceivable that they are not operating on the Houthis’ behalf,” warning that independent dealers would be swiftly suppressed.
An investigative report has uncovered that several Yemeni accounts promoting these weapons even display verification badges, raising serious questions about oversight on digital platforms. Despite requests for comment, there has been no response from relevant social media channels regarding this issue.
The proliferation of these advertisements, primarily in Arabic, targets Yemeni consumers in a country where firearms reportedly outnumber the civilian population significantly. Offers have been discovered for weapons priced in both Yemeni and Saudi riyals, with enticing descriptions that highlight features such as “premium craftsmanship” and specialized modifications.
One disturbing advertisement features a demonstration video showcasing a seller firing a weapon in full automatic mode, while others offer items like sand-colored Glock pistols for approximately $900 each. These disturbing promotions are not obscured in dark web markets but are visible and accessible to millions online.
In response to this escalating situation, the NGO Tech Against Terrorism has urgently called for tech companies to take immediate action against the dissemination of Houthi-supportive content across online platforms. The Houthis, who seized power in Yemen in 2014, continue to pose a significant threat to regional stability, exacerbated by a prolonged civil war and a failed military campaign by neighboring Saudi Arabia.
Currently, the Houthis have been involved in aggressive military actions in the Red Sea, targeting commercial and naval vessels, claiming their operations are in solidarity with Palestinians, despite many attacked ships having no direct ties to Israel. The lack of effective intervention by US-led maritime forces has raised serious concerns about the implications for global trade, particularly affecting routes such as Egypt’s Suez Canal.
