Social-media sites back online in Yemen after closure

MAARIB, Yemen

Social media websites in Yemen became accessible to the public again on Thursday after having been blocked for one week by Sanaa-based Houthi rebels, according to local activists.

The Houthis, who currently control the Communications Ministry in Sanaa, began blocking certain websites and cellphone applications last Wednesday without providing reasons for the move.

Targeted sites and applications included Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp.

The weeklong ban, which extended across the entire country, also included the website of the General People’s Congress, a one-time Houthi ally whose leader -- former President Ali Abdullah Saleh -- was killed last week outside Sanaa.

The Houthis have remained in control of Yemen’s capital, along with several other parts of the country, since 2014.

They group is currently waging a war against Yemen’s Saudi-backed government and a Saudi-led Arab coalition.

Reporting by Ali Aweida:Writing by Ali H. M.Abo Rezeg