LONDON: The World Food Programme has begun the partial suspension of aid in areas of Yemen under Houthi control.
The move announced Thursday comes after the UN agency warned this week that the Iran-backed militia was diverting food away from those most in need.
The suspension will start in Sanaa, affecting 850,000 people, WFP said. The city is the former capital of Yemen where the Houthis seized power from the internationally recognized government in 2014, sparking the conflict.
The organization said the decision was taken as a last resort after negotiations stalled to introduce controls to prevent food being diverted away from those who needed it by Houthi officials.
“As in any conflict zone, some individuals seek to profit by preying on the vulnerable and diverting food away from where it is most needed,” the WFP said.
“WFP has been seeking the support of the Sana’a-based authorities to introduce a biometric registration system that would prevent diversion and protect the Yemeni families we serve, ensuring food reaches those who need it most.
“Unfortunately, we are yet to reach agreement.”
The agency said it will maintain support in the city for malnourished children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
David Beasley, the WFP’s executive director, warned the Houthis Monday that aid would be suspended unless the militants immediately implement registration and monitoring agreements.
He said up to 60 percent of beneficiaries at seven centers in Sanaa “confirmed they had not received any assistance.”
“Children are dying right now because of this”, Beasley told the UN Security Council.
More than four years of conflict in Yemen have created what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The WFP feeds more than 10 million people a month across the country.
