DUBAI: A Yemeni government official claimed that Houthi crimes and violations against staff working at the Hodeidah port caused the death of five workers, the Saudi press agency reported on Sunday.
Deputy Minister of Transport, Nasser Sharif, said that the since Houthis took over of the port of Hodeidah three years ago, militias abused staff and committed violations against them, including replacing staff members with members from their militia who lack basics of navigational work.
In a statement broadcast by the Yemeni official news agency, he said that the aim of these violations was to take control of the port and smuggle arms into the country.
Sharif added that the militias have taken the port’s revenues and used them for their military efforts.
The deputy minister stated that Houthi control of Hodeidah and the port has “exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and increased the suffering of Yemeni people.”
Meanwhile, 11 Yemeni political parties called on the international community to support efforts to restore the province of Hodeidah in full and the departure of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia, including the protection of civilians in accordance with Security Council resolutions.
In a statement, the parties expressed their appreciation for the efforts of UN envoy Martin Griffiths and his commitments to restart peace talks.
The parties stressed the need to adhere to the political solution and for the Houthis to withdraw from governmental institutions and surrender weapons to the internationally recognized government, as well as release prisoners, abductees.
