Latest news with #Yemen-based
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Houthi-linked arms dealers sell weapons of war on X and WhatsApp: Tech Transparency Project
Elon Musk's X and Meta-owned WhatsApp are hosting a thriving arms trade tied to Houthi militants in Yemen, a Tech Transparency Project (TTP) investigation has found. TTP is a Washington DC-based research initiative of Campaign for Accountability that seeks to hold large technology companies accountable. TTP's report builds on the findings of an August 2024 report from The Times in the UK, which found similar arms trading activity on X and WhatsApp. In a separate report in May 2025, TTP identified a number of Houthi officials with blue checkmark accounts on X, indicating they paid the platform for premium service, the TTP website said. According to the report, TTP identified 130 Yemen-based X accounts that offered high-powered rifles, grenade launchers, and other weapons. More than half of the accounts were located in Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen, and many expressed allegiance to the Houthis or displayed the Houthi emblem in their posts. In some cases, the weapons offered for sale were clearly marked as 'Property of US Govt.' The accounts did not explain how they acquired these US-branded weapons, but militants around the world have tapped into a thriving black market for weapons left behind by US forces in Afghanistan. Both X and WhatsApp have policies barring weapons sales but evidently were not enforcing them in these cases. In addition to hosting the arms dealers, X ran ads beneath some of weapons posts, indicating the company generated revenue off them.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Yemen-based arms traders are using X and WhatsApp to sell US and Russian weapons: Report
A months-long investigation by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) has revealed a sprawling digital arms market operated by Yemen-based traders, many of whom appear to be affiliated with or supportive of Houthi militias. The sellers are leveraging popular digital platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta's WhatsApp Business to market and possibly sell weapons, some of which are believed to be of US or Russian origin. TTP identified at least 130 Yemen-based X accounts posting photos and videos of rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and US-military-grade equipment openly for sale. Some of these posts included weapons boxed with the Houthi emblem, which reads: 'God is great, Death to America, death to Israel, damnation to the Jews, victory to Islam.' According to an analysis by TTP, of these accounts, 61 per cent (79) were created after Elon Musk took ownership of X (then Twitter) in October 2022, and 59 per cent (77) have engaged in arms trading on the platform in the last six months. One account offered AK-47s for approximately $1,500, while another claimed its Yemeni-made AK-47s were 'better than the Russian' versions. A number of accounts featured banner images of Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. In total, TTP tracked over 35 accounts offering what appeared to be US-branded weapons, many of which bore markings such as 'PROPERTY OF US GOVT' or 'NATO'. Among the most frequently listed items were M4 carbines, including models outfitted with 40mm M203 grenade launchers. These rifles, used by the US Army, were shown in high-resolution photos stamped with the Colt's Manufacturing logo and US government markings. In one instance, a seller listed four such M4 carbines and redirected inquiries to WhatsApp. Another seller offered a similar package, including ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, and grenades, for $10,000. Higher-end rifles, such as the American-made M6 from LWRC International, were also posted. One account offered the M6 for $8,000, calling it 'a weapon that needs no description'. Weapons described as Russian, including RPG-7 launchers and AK-47s, also featured prominently. The account @bdllhyy52468696 offered a Soviet RPG-7 for about $1,800, while another trader posted a 'zero mileage' Russian AK-47. While TTP could not independently verify the origins of these weapons, the US Treasury Department has previously sanctioned Houthi-linked operatives accused of procuring arms from Russia. X officially prohibits the sale or promotion of weapons, as well as any affiliation with terrorist organisations. Yet many of the accounts identified by TTP remain active and appear to be using premium features. Over 50 accounts listed themselves under 'professional categories' such as 'Gun Store', 'Shopping & Retail', and 'Commercial & Industrial'. These designations are typically available only to X Professional users, who also gain access to analytics and other tools. Some of these accounts had 'tip jars' enabled, allowing users to send money, while others posted long-form videos, a feature reserved for X Premium subscribers. In one case, a trader posted a demonstration of an American M249 SAW light machine gun. TTP also found that X may be profiting from these posts. The platform served ads in reply threads to posts offering weapons. Advertisers included the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Tesla accessory vendors, and a publication promoting Donald Trump's domestic policy. The company states it does not allow ads to be placed near unsafe or policy-violating content, but TTP found no evidence of enforcement. More than half of the X accounts linked to WhatsApp Business profiles. These profiles often made little effort to conceal their nature. TTP found 69 WhatsApp accounts linked to arms sales, and 28 of those explicitly stated they were weapons stores. WhatsApp Business allows users to display product catalogues. TTP found 17 accounts that used this feature to showcase guns, including US-stamped equipment. One account displayed four high-powered SVD sniper rifles with a caption in Arabic: 'The heavy caliber has arrived.' Another listed a Glock pistol with a skin showing American landmarks and patriotic slogans. Meta, too, prohibits the sale of firearms on its platforms and says it reviews all WhatsApp catalogue images before they go live. However, TTP's findings suggest that oversight may be lacking. One account listed a catalogue featuring dozens of weapons and linked directly to a Facebook page selling similar arms. Another showed a photo of Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat firing a rifle. Meta says it cannot read messages due to end-to-end encryption but does review profiles and business account listings. TTP had reached out to both X and Meta and while the former did not respond, the latter had declined to comment.
Yemen Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Yemen Online
U.S. Embassy in Yemen Reveals Houthi Financing Network Through Sanctioned Companies & Intermediaries
Aden — The United States Embassy in Yemen has issued a detailed statement outlining the financial and logistical networks used by the Houthi movement to sustain its military operations, accusing the group of leveraging a web of front companies, trusted intermediaries, and Iranian support to bypass international sanctions. According to the embassy, multiple Yemen-based entities have been actively involved in purchasing weapons components and smuggling petroleum products through Houthi-controlled ports such as Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif. These operations reportedly generate millions of dollars monthly, fueling the group's armed capabilities and expanding its political footprint. Entities Sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury : - Black Diamond Petroleum Derivatives - Yahya Al-Asili Import Ltd. - Royal Plus Maritime and Commercial Agencies - Star Plus Yemen - Yemen Elaf for Petroleum Imports - Tamco Petroleum Products - Zahraa Trading & Agencies - Abbot Trading Ltd. - Gasoline Aman Co. In addition to corporate sanctions, the U.S. has blacklisted two vessels and their owners for unloading petroleum products in violation of licensing restrictions. 'The evidence is clear, and our sanctions are targeted,' the embassy stated, reinforcing Washington's commitment to disrupting financial lifelines that enable the Houthis' military actions. The group was officially designated as a Global Terrorist Organization in March 2025, expanding the scope of punitive measures available under U.S. law.
Yemen Online
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Yemen : UN chief condemns latest Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping
The UN Secretary-General issued a statement on Friday condemning the latest Houthi rebel attacks on shipping in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. According to news reports, the Yemen-based rebel group – which has been battling the internationally-recognised Government for control of the country since the early 2010s – attacked the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated Eternity C on Monday and again on Tuesday, causing it to sink on Wednesday morning. Four crew members are reported to have died. With 15 crew still missing as of Friday, the group also reportedly took an unspecified number of the seafarers to what rebels described as a 'safe location.' Weekend assault This came after the Houthis launched missiles and drones at another Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ship in the Red Sea on Sunday, Magic Seas. The crew was forced to abandon ship, but all 22 members were rescued, according to reports. Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have targeted Israeli and commercial ships in the Red Sea deemed to be en route to Israel, in solidarity with Palestinians in the enclave. In May, following US airstrikes on Houthi strongholds and missile infrastructure, the group agreed a deal with Washington to stop targeting US warships - however, they did not pledge to end attacks on other vessels allegedly linked to Israel. Strong condemnation: Guterres UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric read a statement from Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday at UN Headquarters, saying the UN chief 'strongly condemns the resumption of Houthi attacks on civilian vessels transiting the Red Sea, especially the attacks that took place over 6 to 8 July 2025.' Mr. Guterres said the 'unacceptable' attacks endangered the safety and security of crewmembers, violated freedom of navigation, disrupted maritime transport, and posed serious environmental, economic, and humanitarian risks. Mr. Guterres also emphasised that international law must be respected by all parties, stressing that UN Security Council resolution 2768 related to Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels must be fully respected. 'The United Nations remains committed to continuing its efforts towards broader de-escalation in the region as well as continued engagement with Yemeni, regional and international actors to secure a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen,' he concluded.
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First Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Watch: Houthis release drone videos of two Liberian-flagged ships they sank
Following the attacks, the Yemen-based militants also released video footage of their attacks that sank two Liberian‑flagged cargo vessels, putting up a visceral reminder of a growing security threat in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes read more Yemen's Houthis released videos of their attacks on two Liberian-flagged vessels. Image courtesy: In a sharp escalation of maritime violence, Iran‑backed Houthi rebels recently attacked two vessels in the Red Sea. Following the attacks, the Yemen-based militants also released video footage of their attacks that sank two Liberian‑flagged cargo vessels, putting up a visceral reminder of a growing security threat in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Ships struck in separate but closely timed attacks The first vessel, the Magic Seas, a Liberian‑flagged, Greek‑managed bulk carrier, was attacked on July 6 in the southern Red Sea with small arms, rocket‑propelled grenades and explosive drone boats. The ship caught fire and sank after its crew abandoned it; all 19 crew members and three security guards were rescued unharmed. The Houthis promptly released a video showing explosions onboard the vessel and the ensuing sinking. Exclusive footage shows the targeting and sinking of the "MV Star Magic" in the Red Sea, after its owners violated the Yemeni Armed Forces' ban on ships heading to Israeli-occupied ports. — Yemen Military (@Yemeni_Military) July 8, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A few days later, the Liberian‑flagged Eternity C, also Greek‑operated, was struck on 7 July by sea drones and rocket‑propelled grenades, and again by uncrewed surface vessels the next day. It sank on July 8 after the crew abandoned ship. At least four crew members were killed, ten rescued, six are unaccounted for and may be held captive by the Houthis. The group released footage showing an evacuation broadcast and explosions before the ship submerged. BREAKING: The Houthis have published a video of their attack against the Greek-owned bulk carrier Eternity C. The killed a number of Filipino sailors and took several more hostage. This video shows the ship sinking earlier today — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 9, 2025 Global condemnation and growing tensions The United States has accused the Houthis of 'kidnapping' crew members from the Eternity C and demanded their release. A European Union naval force confirmed that only six of the 25 crew on board were rescued . These two incidents represent the first confirmed sinkings by the Houthis since June 2024 and mark a renewed campaign targeting ships they claim are linked to Israel. The International community, including the UN's envoy, has expressed grave concern at the escalation and the potential for environmental harm. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reuters analysed Houthi footage and noted that both vessels were Greek‑operated but Liberian‑flagged. Firstpost has not independently verified the footage. Commercial routes at risk amid Gaza war fallout The Houthi assaults are widely interpreted as a reaction to the Gaza conflict and Israeli strikes on Yemen. The group says it is acting in solidarity with Palestinians . Shipping in the strategic Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandeb corridor, responsible for about 12 percent of global trade, has already been under siege since November 2023. Over 100 vessels have been attacked in that time. The recent sinkings threaten to destabilise the fragile calm following earlier US‑led naval patrols and temporary ceasefires . With inputs from agencies
