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Saba Yemen
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Humanitarian Coordination Center (HOCC) addresses shipping companies regarding risks of navigation to, from port of Haifa
Sana'a - (Saba): The Humanitarian Coordination Center (HOCC) issued a decision imposing a comprehensive ban on maritime traffic to and from the port of Haifa, pursuant to the Yemeni Armed Forces' announcement on May 19, 2025, imposing a maritime embargo on the port. The center explained in a statement issued today, a copy of which was received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), that according to the decision, ships are prohibited from loading or unloading to and from the port of Haifa, whether directly or indirectly, including ship-to-ship transfers. This decision will take effect on May 20, 2025, at 00:01 a.m. Sana'a time, which corresponds to May 19, 21:01 p.m. UTC. He emphasized that this decision comes as a response to the Israeli escalation by expanding its aggression against Gaza, and as part of its religious, humanitarian, and moral responsibility toward the oppressed Palestinian people and the ongoing horrific massacres they are subjected to by the occupying Israeli entity. It also comes as part of the sanctions imposed on it as a result of its aggression, siege, and starvation of the Gaza Strip, its perpetration of genocide against the Palestinian people, the killing of children and women, and the prevention of the entry of medicine and food for more than a year. The Humanitarian Coordination Center stated that it had contacted shipping companies regarding the high risks facing ships heading to and from the port of Haifa, including the risk of sanctions, which could include the fleets of companies violating the ban, as well as those dealing with them. He called on shipping companies to scrutinize and exercise due diligence in all their dealings, ensuring that there are no direct ship voyages to the port of Haifa, and ensuring that there is no direct, indirect, or third-party connection to any transaction that violates the ban. The presence of any ships bound for the port of Haifa or having an indirect connection to it will expose the company and its fleet to sanctions. He pointed out that if the company is placed on the sanctions list, its fleet will be prohibited from crossing the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, and that it will be targeted anywhere within the reach of the Yemeni armed forces. Furthermore, countries, entities, and individuals are prohibited from dealing with companies on the sanctions lists in any way, as engaging in any transactions with listed companies entails the risk of being subject to sanctions. The center expressed hope that it will be understood that the measures taken through the sanctions are part of its religious, humanitarian, and moral responsibility toward the oppressed Palestinian people, and are aimed at pressuring the Israeli entity to halt its aggression, open the crossings to the Gaza Strip, and allow the entry of aid and essential food and medicine. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Saba Yemen
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Humanitarian Coordination Center issues decision banning US crude oil exports
Sana'a (Saba) – The Humanitarian Coordination Center (HOCC) issued a decision yesterday, Friday, banning US crude oil exports, the decision will take effect on May 17, 2025. The Executive Director of the Humanitarian Coordination Center explained in a press statement that the American enemy continues to launch raids on various Yemeni governorates, targeting civilians and civilian objects, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries, including women and children. He said, "Just as the American enemy previously targeted the Ras Issa oil port in Al Hudaydah Governorate on April 17, 2025, targeting civilian facilities, workers, and employees, in a horrific crime that is considered one of the most heinous massacres committed against humanity, in an attempt to besiege the Yemeni people, the Republic of Yemen has the right to respond to the crimes, massacres, and war crimes committed by the American enemy against the Yemeni people, their infrastructure, and their capabilities." He added, "Therefore, a decision has been made to prohibit the export, re-export, transfer, loading, purchase, or sale of U.S. crude oil (HS Code 2709.00) from U.S. ports, whether directly or indirectly, including ship-to-ship transfers (STS), whether in whole or in part, including through third parties." He pointed out that this decision was made based on Law No. (5) of 1445 AH regarding the classification of countries, entities, and individuals hostile to the Republic of Yemen, and the Sanctions List for Perpetrators of Aggression against Yemen or Any Arab or Islamic Country (SR-PAYAIS). The decision also included the possibility of granting exceptions or permits for humanitarian purposes, or for countries and companies that oppose the policies and decisions of the U.S. administration, by submitting a request to Licensing@ This decision will take effect on May 17, 2025, at 00:01 a.m. Sana'a time, which is equivalent to May 16, 2025, at 21:01 p.m. UTC. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Newsweek
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Houthis Issue New Warning to Vessels Shipping US Weapons to Israel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Houthis have threatened to block or attack vessels transporting weapons from U.S. arms companies to Israel through the Red Sea or Indian Ocean, according to Seatrade Maritime News. The threat comes amid rising tensions and intensified fighting in the Middle East, with the Houthis signaling an escalation in their efforts to disrupt shipments supporting the Israeli war in Gaza. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Houthi officials for comment. Why It Matters The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group backed by Iran, have launched hundreds of missile attacks on vessels, further escalating tensions in the region, disrupting a vital maritime route in the Red Sea since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Following the collapse of a ceasefire this year, the group resumed threats and blockades, particularly targeting Israel and U.S. interests, with President Donald Trump ordering a military operation in Yemen to destroy the group. Houthi fighters march during a rally of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and against the U.S. strikes on Yemen outside Sanaa on Jan. 22, 2024. Houthi fighters march during a rally of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and against the U.S. strikes on Yemen outside Sanaa on Jan. 22, 2024. AP Photo What To Know A legal entity affiliated with the Houthis' military reportedly sent a warning to ship owners, operators, and managers about the risks to their vessels if they engage with U.S. companies sanctioned by the group, Seatrade Maritime News reported. The Houthis specifically warned against vessels carrying weapons from blacklisted aerospace and defense companies, according to the UK-based global shipping media platform. Houti Sanctions Last week, the Houthi affiliated Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) sanctioned 15 U.S. weapons manufacturing companied citing their arms supply to Israel with advanced weapons and equipment linked to war crimes in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The designated groups are seen as "enemies" and are subject to confrontation by force. "Sanctions may be imposed on companies involved in weapon shipments to the Zionist entity, including shipping companies, airlines, and ports, as well as energy sector companies, with potential exemptions for those opposing Trump and his administration's policies," HOCC said in an email to Newsweek. The list included Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Boeing, amid others major companies specializing in missile systems, military vehicles, satellite technology, and advanced electronics. These companies have previously been criticized by human rights organizations for their potential role in fueling the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen in. This photograph released by the U.S. Navy shows a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter hovering over the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier while operating in the Middle East on April 12, 2025. This photograph released by the U.S. Navy shows a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter hovering over the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier while operating in the Middle East on April 12, 2025. U.S. Navy/AP Photo Starlink Terminals Meanwhile, The Houthis' Ministry of Communications has ordered all citizens and legal entities to return Starlink terminals and equipment by May 1, 2025, warning of legal penalties and security raids to seize prohibited devices after the deadline, according to Saba News Agency. Yemen was among the first countries in the Middle East to have the service introduced by Elon Musk's company. The U.S. has launched an extensive wave of airstrikes against the group's targets in Yemen prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks on U.S. aircraft carriers and Israeli territory. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) said it intercepted several missiles launched from Yemen. What People Are Saying Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), in warning email, as quoted by Seatrade Maritime News: "The existence of any such relationship will expose your company and fleet to sanctions, and, in the event your company is listed on the sanctions list, its fleet will be prohibited from transiting the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, the company's fleet will be subject to targeting wherever reachable by the Yemeni Armed Forces." U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on X: "We will continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region." What Happens Next Conflict escalation near in the Red Sea and the broader Middle East could lead to increased involvement from regional powers and a potentially devastating humanitarian impact in war-torn Yemen.
