News - Yemen: Yemen's Transport Minister, Abdul Wahab Al-Durra, has reaffirmed Yemen's dedication to ensuring the security and safety of maritime traffic in the Red and Arabian Seas and the broader region.

In a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representatives of international shipping lines, Minister Al-Durra clarified that maritime traffic in the Red and Arabian Seas continues unaffected, except for vessels associated with Israel. However, there has been a reduction in the number of ships due to the militarization of the Red Sea by the US, the UK, and their allies.

Al-Durra emphasized, "Our country has taken a decisive stance, persisting with Armed Forces operations in the Red and Arabian Seas until the aggression ceases, the Gaza siege is lifted, and essential supplies enter."

Undersecretary for Maritime Affairs and Ports, Captain Mohammed Ishaq, provided an overview of the current state of international maritime navigation in the Red and Arabian Seas.

He noted, "From November 19 to December 19, 2023, international maritime navigation continued normally, except for ships heading to occupied Palestine." Ishaq reported 2,128 ships crossing the Suez Canal from Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea, with 55 ships opting for an alternative route via the Cape of Good Hope.

The Transport Minister issued an official memorandum to international shipping lines, reiterating Yemen's commitment to the security of navigation in the Red and Arabian Seas. The memorandum clarified that the Yemeni maritime embargo applies solely to ships from Israel and those bound for occupied ports.

The memorandum underscored that ending tensions in the Red and Arabian Seas necessitates facilitating the entry of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid while halting aggression against Gaza.

The Ministry reiterated the normal operation of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa ports, managed by the Yemeni Red Sea Ports Corporation, for receiving various commercial and container ships. Maritime transport services continue seamlessly from all ports to the corporation’s facilities.

The meeting emphasized Yemen's dedication to ensuring international maritime traffic in the Red and Arabian Seas for all ships, except those bound for Israel. Discussions also addressed the losses from ship diversions and increased costs due to the militarization of the Red Sea by the US, UK, and their allies.

Since the commencement of the Israeli regime's relentless military campaign against Gaza in early October, the Yemenis have openly declared their support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation. 

The Armed Forces have conducted recent attacks on ships with ties to Israel near Yemeni ports, including the interception and seizure of a vessel associated with the Tel Aviv regime on November 19.

These attacks have compelled major shipping and oil companies to suspend their voyages to the ports of the Zionist enemy.