(AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED HUWAIS)
Tens of Yemenis staged a sit-in Tuesday before the Yemeni embassy, objecting restrictions placed by Western Union for money transactions to and from Yemen.
Several Yemenis standing before the embassy stated that Monday was the last day for transactions.
“The company has cited the political situation as a reason for halting the transactions,” one of the protesters said.
Conflicting reports however came from an official at Western Union, who clarified that some regulations were activated three month ago.
“Egyptians can transfer money; however a Yemeni is requested to show a contract of rented apartment and passport whether he is sending or receiving money,” an official at Western Union told the Daily News Egypt.
These regulations have been activated for four other countries, which are Syria, Iraq, Tunisia and Sudan.
The official mentioned that such regulations were activated to avoid “terrorism”.
Saudi Arabia, backed by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, announced last Wednesday it would begin airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
On Thursday, Egypt announced that it will provide “political and military” support to Saudi Arabia against the Houthis following the airstrikes, adding that “if necessary” ground troops will be provided.
The strikes have been going on for five days since the announcement.
