Yemen · Country watch

Central Bank Shuts Forex Firms; Taiz Siege Worsens

Yemen's central bank halts licenses of five forex firms, while the Houthi siege on Taiz intensifies, affecting healthcare and civilian safety.

Florent Kalfon · 29 October 2026 · 5 articles read

The picture Deteriorating How this is judged →

Business conditions in Yemen are deteriorating as the central bank's regulatory actions impact finance, the Taiz siege worsens healthcare access, and maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz pose logistical challenges.

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In this briefing Central Bank of Yemen · Strait of Hormuz · UKMTO · Houthi movement · Taiz

Regulation

Finance

Central Bank of Yemen halts licenses of 5 forex firms

The Central Bank of Yemen has suspended the licenses of five currency exchange companies and closed their offices, according to hshd.net. The decision comes amid efforts to regulate the financial sector and curb illegal financial activities. The affected companies have not been named, and the reasons for the suspension were not disclosed. This move highlights the ongoing challenges in Yemen's financial sector, which is struggling with instability and regulatory issues.

Impact Currency traders face increased operational hurdles as five firms lose licenses.

Sources: hshd.net ↗

Disruption

Logistics

Ship reported ablaze in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says

A vessel was reported on fire in the Strait of Hormuz, 9 nautical miles north of Oman's Khasab, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The status of the crew remains unknown, and the cause of the fire has not been disclosed. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and any disruption in this area can have significant implications for maritime logistics and energy supplies.

Impact Maritime operators in the Strait of Hormuz face potential delays and safety concerns.

Sources: Yemen Press Agency ↗

Internal tension

Public sector

Houthi siege on Taiz kills 73, disrupts 186 health facilities

The Yemeni government reported that 73 civilians have been killed and 223 injured due to Houthi attacks in Taiz since September, according to Mareb Press. The siege has led to the complete shutdown of 120 health facilities and partial closure of 66 others, severely affecting healthcare services. Over 80 homes and civilian structures have been damaged, and 130 people have been forcibly detained. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region, with significant impacts on civilian safety and healthcare access.

Impact Healthcare providers and civilians in Taiz face severe service disruptions and safety risks.

Sources: Mareb Press ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Safety & health · Companies · Markets · Trade · Politics.