Yemen's Houthi insurgents have blocked a shipment meant to feed some 100,000 families in the war-torn nation that's been pushed to the brink of starvation, said World Food Program (WFP) spokesperson.
The aid was blocked after the WFP partially suspended its support last week after accusing Houthis of looting it, the official said.
The insurgents, who control northern Yemen, responded with a fierce media campaign against the WFP, accusing it of sending spoiled food.
The official said Houthis ordered over 8,000 tons of flour sent by the WFP out of the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, claiming it was contaminated with dead insects, the Associated Press reported.
However, a subsequent check on the cargo, now docked in Oman, showed it was clean.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the incident.
