Sanaa, Yemen – A Yemeni digital awareness initiative known as "Waey" (Awareness) has launched a sweeping campaign targeting the online presence of Houthi-affiliated figures, resulting in the removal of dozens of Facebook and Instagram accounts, including those of senior leaders within the group.

The campaign, which gained momentum in early November, focused on reporting and flagging accounts accused of spreading sectarian propaganda, inciting violence, and violating Meta’s community standards. 

Among the high-profile accounts taken down were those belonging to Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, and Mohammed al-Muftah, a senior official in the group’s de facto government.

According to statements published by the Waey page, the initiative succeeded in disabling over 80 accounts, many of which were verified and had amassed large followings. 

The campaign was carried out by a network of anonymous digital activists who coordinated mass reporting efforts and documented violations of platform policies.

“These accounts were not just political—they were tools of incitement and digital manipulation,” the page stated, calling the removals a “victory for digital hygiene and civic responsibility.”

The move has sparked widespread debate across Yemeni social media. Supporters hailed the campaign as a bold step against online extremism, while critics questioned the transparency and affiliations of the Waey initiative, which operates anonymously.

This is not the first time Waey has made headlines. Since its launch in 2020, the page has positioned itself as a watchdog for digital ethics in Yemen, tackling issues ranging from misinformation to hate speech. 

However, its recent focus on Houthi-linked content marks a significant escalation in its activism.

Meta has not issued an official statement regarding the takedowns, but users attempting to access the removed profiles are now met with standard notices indicating violations of platform rules.

As Yemen’s conflict increasingly spills into the digital sphere, campaigns like Waey’s highlight the growing role of grassroots cyber-activism in shaping narratives and challenging power structures online.