Looting: On 14 March 2025, Houthi forces physically assaulted and looted 1 orange seller in a market in Ibb city (Al Mashannah, Ibb). The Houthi forces raided the whole sale market and looted the seller's commodities and car. The reason behind the incident was not reported, but sources claimed it's likely related to the Houthis' imposition of a zakat tax during Ramadan.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1) Summary On March 14, 2025, Houthi forces attacked orange vendors at a wholesale market in Ibb city, Yemen, looting goods and vehicles. The incident is believed to be related to zakat (religious tax) collection during Ramadan and is currently classified as a low-level strategic risk.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural distribution network risks - Ibb region is a central Yemen agricultural hub, and looting targeting fruit and vegetable wholesale markets indicates instability in regional agricultural supply chains
• Small merchant operational risks - Houthis' arbitrary tax collection and physical threats increase operational sustainability burdens for small-scale distribution companies
• Yemen inland logistics vulnerability - Potential increase in illegal activities targeting private logistics and distribution companies in areas with limited government control

3) Watch points

• Whether additional forced collection or looting incidents targeting merchants occur in Houthi-controlled areas during Ramadan (~early April)
• Need to monitor operational shutdowns or price spikes in agricultural markets in Ibb and surrounding areas