Ibb -- Local sources in Taiz reported that Houthi militias abducted a shop owner after he refused to pay an additional sum imposed under the name of zakat (Islamic alms).

The incident took place in Al-Awqaf Street, Al-Mashna District, where the Houthis detained merchant Al-Hubaishi, the owner of a household goods store. 

According to eyewitnesses, the group demanded that he pay 300,000 Yemeni riyals as an annual zakat fee, more than double the amount required last year.

Sources explained that Al-Hubaishi expressed his willingness to pay 130,000 Yemeni riyals, the same amount he had paid in the previous year. However, the Houthis rejected his offer and insisted on the newly increased figure, which the merchant was unable to afford.

The abduction has sparked outrage among residents, who view the move as part of the Houthis’ broader campaign of extortion and financial pressure on traders in areas under their control.