Sanaa (South24 Center)

The internationally unrecognized Houthi-run Ministry of Telecommunications has ordered all citizens and entities in territories under the group’s control to surrender their Starlink satellite internet devices by May 1, 2025, according to a Sunday (April 27) statement.

The ministry instructed users to hand over the equipment at the nearest Public Telecommunications Corporation office and obtain official receipts, and warned that those who failed to comply would face legal action and device confiscation. After the deadline, security forces will launch field campaigns to seize any remaining Starlink units and impose fines on violators.

The crackdown follows Starlink's September 2024 launch in Yemen under an agreement with the Internationally-Recognized Government. While Aden's telecom authority officially introduced the service as "the future of Yemen's internet" without disclosing the pricing, black market costs have limited access in government-held areas.

The Houthis opposed activation of Starlink services in Yemen, saying it would gravely threaten the country’s national security and social fabric. They also termed it as part of attempts to secure the interests of foreign powers in Yemen.

Starlink's satellite-based high-speed internet offers rare connectivity in Yemen, where war and infrastructure damage have crippled traditional services. The Houthi ban reflects their efforts to control information flows amid the ongoing conflict.