Yemeni media losses total $933 million over 11 years of war, blockade by Saudi-led Coalition
SANAA, May 14 (YPA) – The Ministry of Information in Sanaa revealed that the total losses incurred by the ministry and its affiliated institutions due to the war and blockade by the “Saudi-American coalition” over 11 years have exceeded $933 million.
These figures include direct and indirect damages to infrastructure, media facilities, and technical equipment, in addition to the martyrdom of 47 media professionals and the injury of 7 others.
A report issued by the ministry on Thursday stated that total losses reached $933,033,000, distributed across various official media sectors. The Public Corporation for Radio and Television topped the list of the most affected entities, with losses amounting to $610,471,999—consisting of $68,356,232 in direct losses and over $542 million in indirect losses.
The report noted the destruction of 31 buildings for radio transmission sites, 58 television transmitters, 14 FM radio transmitters, 26 transmission towers, and 57 power generators. Furthermore, broadcast studios and complete transmission systems were destroyed, leading to the collapse of broadcasting in several regions.
The losses for the Ministry of Information’s General Headquarters reached $36,376,639, including $12 million in direct damage to buildings and equipment, and $24,376,639 in indirect losses.
Regarding the Yemen News Agency (Saba), its losses amounted to $47,446,966, comprising $13,181,818 in direct losses and $34,265,148 in indirect losses, resulting from the destruction and looting of the agency’s headquarters and equipment across several governorates.
The Al-Thawra Establishment for Press, Printing, and Publishing recorded losses totaling $183,738,000, including $1,838,000 in direct losses and over $181 million in indirect losses caused by the cessation of activities and decline in revenues.
According to the report, the Al-Jumhuriya Establishment for Press, Printing, and Publishing in Taiz was subjected to destruction, looting, and arson, with losses estimated at more than $40 million. Meanwhile, losses for the Media Training and Qualification Institute reached approximately $10 million, and the Media Documentation Center recorded losses of about $5 million.
The ministry emphasized that the targeting of media outlets and journalists constitutes a “war crime” under international humanitarian law, asserting that the “aggression” systematically targeted the truth and the national media voice for more than a decade.
YPA