Sayyed al-Houthi reveals Saudi motives behind blocking oil extraction in Yemen

SANAA, July 30 (YPA) – Leader of Yemen’s Ansarullah Movement, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said on Thursday that Saudi Arabia had sought in previous years to destabilize Yemen internally, undermine its religious identity, and promote extremist ideology among Yemenis.

In a televised address on recent developments, Sayyed al-Houthi added that Saudi Arabia has prevented oil production in Jawf province due to its continued interest in the region’s energy resources.

He also clarified that Riyadh has blocked oil development in Mahra province, east of Yemen, saying Yemen’s oil production has remained limited to levels dictated by Saudi Arabia despite the country’s significant energy potential.

The movement’s leader stated that Yemen could have become one of the region’s major oil producers, noting that the country possesses the capacity to produce 90 million barrels of oil annually, in addition to substantial natural gas reserves.

He argued that Yemen’s economic resources remain under the control of its adversaries, depriving the population of their benefits and contributing to continued poverty and hardship.

According to Sayyed al-Houthi’s address, Saudi Arabia has also restricted the development of Yemen’s gas sector to prevent the country from achieving economic prosperity, while seeking to keep Yemen in a state of economic and political crisis.

He further accused Saudi Arabia of acting in partnership with the United States, Israeli enemy, and the United Kingdom in pursuing regional Zionist objectives, calling Saudi policies toward Yemen a betrayal of neighborly relations and peaceful coexistence.

Sayyed al-Houthi urged efforts to regain control over Yemen’s territory, resources, and economic capabilities, asserting that the country’s wealth has been withheld from its people.

The movement’s leader also revealed that revenues which could have funded public salaries and essential services have been denied to Yemen by Saudi Arabia under U.S. supervision, arguing that Riyadh has no legitimate claim to those resources.