Ibb – Local sources in Yemen’s Ibb governorate reported that Houthi militias have leased the building of the provincial museum to a contractor, citing claims of settling long-standing financial dues.

According to the sources, the move has sparked widespread concern among residents and cultural activists, who view the decision as a violation of public property and an erosion of the city’s cultural heritage. The museum, which houses significant artifacts and represents one of Ibb’s few cultural landmarks, has now partially lost its function as a public institution.

The Houthis have also allocated part of the museum building to serve as a security site under their control, further restricting public access. 

Civil society voices warned that such practices not only undermine cultural preservation but also reflect the group’s broader pattern of exploiting public facilities for military and political purposes.