A wave of threats has emerged from activists aligned with Yemen’s Houthi movement, warning of potential retaliatory actions against social media platforms and internet infrastructure following the removal of dozens of their accounts and pages from Facebook.

The threats, circulated through Telegram channels and pro-Houthi media outlets, include calls to ban Facebook in Houthi-controlled areas and even suggestions to target undersea internet cables in the Red Sea—a critical route for global data traffic. 

The activists claim the recent takedowns are part of a “Western campaign to silence voices of resistance,” after Meta removed multiple accounts accused of spreading incitement and violating platform policies.

The deleted pages reportedly included content promoting sectarian narratives, glorifying violence, and disseminating disinformation related to regional conflicts. Meta has not officially commented on the specific removals, but the company has previously stated its commitment to combating hate speech and coordinated inauthentic behavior.

The threats have sparked concern among digital rights advocates and cybersecurity experts, who warn that any disruption to submarine cables could have severe consequences for internet access across the region, including in Yemen, where connectivity is already fragile due to years of conflict and infrastructure damage.

Yemeni civil society groups have condemned the rhetoric, urging all parties to respect digital freedoms and avoid actions that could further isolate the population or hinder humanitarian coordination. “Weaponizing the internet or threatening global infrastructure is reckless and unacceptable,” one activist told local media.

The incident underscores the growing tensions between authoritarian-aligned actors and global tech platforms, as well as the vulnerability of digital infrastructure in conflict zones.