The Yemeni government condemned the Iran-backed Houthis for setting fire to the Awqaf Ministry building in the capital Sanaa.
It accused in a statement the militants of looting the ministry and destroying its documents and archives, vowing that it will pursue the perpetrators.
Such crimes will not go unpunished, it vowed.
It also warned citizens that any agreement struck with the Houthis related to the ministry properties will not be recognized. They will be considered non-binding for the government.
It urged the people to go back on such deals, warning that they will be held accountable for such a violation.
The government is forging ahead with its mission to eliminate the Houthi coup against legitimate powers, it added.
A major fire had erupted at the Awqaf archive on Wednesday. It was likely caused by the Houthis to destroy documents on the Awqaf’s properties and allow the militias to seize these properties.
Security sources in Sanaa told Asharq Al-Awsat earlier this week that the arson was linked to the dispute between militia leaders over the ministry’s funds and properties.
The legitimate government’s Awqaf Ministry condemned the arson, describing it as a systematic criminal act committed by the militias.
In an official statement obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, it slammed the burning of important documents and files, saying this was another crime that can be added to the Houthis’ long list of violations.
It also called on the United Nations and concerned international powers to condemn the arson and pressure the militias to refrain from violating national property.
