Mokha Port Staff Protest Houthi Attacks Disrupting Maritime Trade

Staff at Mokha Port in Yemen's Taiz governorate held a protest Tuesday against repeated Houthi attacks that have disrupted maritime and commercial activity, threatening the livelihoods of thousands.

The demonstration, involving port employees, shipping and unloading workers, and maritime agents, condemned the Houthi assaults on the port and civilian facilities. Protesters called for urgent international intervention to protect ports and civilian infrastructure, and to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab strait. They warned of the severe economic and humanitarian consequences of continued targeting of vital installations.

Dr. Abdulmalik Al-Sharabi, Director of Mokha Port, stated that the port is a civilian facility serving all Yemenis, employing over 1,300 individuals across various departments. He confirmed that recent attacks have rendered the port inoperable, halting all maritime traffic.

Al-Sharabi elaborated that the repercussions of the halted operations extend beyond port staff to encompass the shipping, unloading, transportation, and related commercial sectors. This has resulted in thousands of workers losing their jobs and income.

The protesters emphasized that the targeting of Mokha Port affects not only an economic entity but also a civilian facility crucial to the interests of thousands of families, exacerbating the economic hardships in a city already grappling with the war's impact and declining trade.

Participants cautioned that persistent Houthi attacks on ports and civilian facilities risk escalating damage to trade, supply chains, and economic sectors dependent on the stability of maritime routes. They also highlighted the potential impact on local and regional security and international navigation safety.

The demonstrators reaffirmed their rejection of attacks on civilian and economic infrastructure. They urged for a firmer international stance to protect civilians and vital facilities, secure navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, and prevent these maritime corridors from becoming zones of open escalation.