Washington, DC – In a strict move aimed at combating extremist content, the social media platform X has deleted and closed the official account of Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthi group. X’s decision to delete Saree’s account came after it violated the platform’s policies and strict rules. These rules prohibit the promotion of violence or support for terrorist activities. Furthermore, the platform rejects impersonation and the dissemination of misleading information.
A key platform for Houthi propaganda is absent from the digital scene.
The now-defunct account of Yahya Saree was one of the most prominent media and propaganda platforms for the Houthi militia, boasting over 121,000 followers. For a long period, the account served as a primary tool for disseminating military statements and claiming responsibility for terrorist attacks. It also revealed details about commercial vessels targeted in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Therefore, its removal represents a significant blow to the militia’s media apparatus, which it relies on for its psychological warfare. Furthermore, it was a key instrument in disseminating its misleading narrative to regional and international public opinion.
Historical precedent: Repeated ban after account closure in 2022
This is not the first time the platform (formerly Twitter) has taken this step against the Houthi leader. Twitter previously deleted his official account in 2022, when it boasted a much larger following of around 340,000. The account later reappeared with new information and continued its attempts to circumvent digital restrictions. Despite this, Twitter management reaffirms its commitment to cutting off sources of propaganda linked to designated terrorist organizations. The platform also seeks to prevent these entities from exploiting open digital spaces to spread hate speech. Furthermore, it aims to prevent military threats that affect international maritime security and the safety of civilians.
