(MENAFN- The Peninsula) At least five merchant vessels carrying food are stuck off Yemen, shipping data showed yesterday, as warships from a Saudi-led coalition search them for weapons bound for Iran-allied Houthi rebel forces, with delays adding to a humanitarian crisis.
Yemen imports more than 90 percent of its food, including most of its wheat and all its rice, to feed a population of 25 million.
Much of its needs had been serviced by foreign ships, although shipping lines have now reduced or stopped port calls. Ship tracking data showed at least five cargo ships were anchored off Yemen unable to enter Yemeni waters.
"Disruption of navigation in Yemen's territorial waters will adversely affect food security," UN humanitarian agency OCHA said. "Even before the current escalation in conflict, almost half of all people in Yemen were short of food." Saudi Arabia and Arab allies have launched air strikes against Houthi rebels, who have taken most of the country and forced President Abd Rabuh Mansur Hadi to flee to Riyadh.
The coalition has deployed naval vessels to intercept ships carrying arms to the rebels, although merchant ships are meant to have free passage once they are inspected. Nonetheless, this has already meant delays for food deliveries by sea. The impact of the delays is likely to add to growing logistical problems with the delivery of food.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.