The Iran-backed Houthi militias are holding ten oil and commercial ships at Yemen’s Hodeidah port, revealed Chairman of the Higher Committee for Relief Abdul Raqib Fatah.
The militias have barred the ships from unloading their cargo, he said, adding that some of the vessels have been held for nearly six months.
He gave the example of the Distya Pushti that is carrying 10,955 tons of diesel fuel and that had docked at the port on September 28. The Rina had arrived on October 3 and is carrying 5,700 tons of flour and sugar. The Sincero is loaded with 15,025 tons of diesel and arrived at Hodeidah on September 26.
Other ships carrying more diesel and fuel have also been held at the port.
Fatah accused the Houthis of deliberately barring the ships from unloading their cargo in order to create a fuel crisis in Yemen.
He explained that the militias are seeking to impose higher tariffs on oil derivatives. The tariffs have already reached 60 percent.
The practices are aimed at supporting pro-Houthi traders in the black market, he charged.
Such measures will only compound the suffering of the people, lamented Fatah.
He, therefore, called on United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Lise Grande to intervene immediately and pressure the Houthis to release the ships and their cargo.
