UN Mission Inspects Hodeidah Ports
A delegation from the UN mission based in Hodeidah today inspected the ports of Saleef and Ras Issa to assess the extent of the damage caused by airstrikes launched by the US-led coalition.
The delegation, headed by Mr. Mohammed Rafiqul Islam, included UN experts Mohammed Zaini Ben Othman, Augustine Kwesi Asibor, and Richard Seketilko. The Yemeni delegation was headed by Field Liaison Officer Colonel Ali Al-Matari.
During the visit, the delegation observed the extensive damage to the infrastructure of the two ports and heard an explanation of the serious repercussions of targeting the ports and their impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the country, especially in light of the ongoing blockade and the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Members of the UN mission expressed their deep dismay at the extent of the destruction, stressing that their visit aims to document violations in accordance with international humanitarian law and that they are preparing a neutral and objective report to be submitted to the relevant UN bodies. For his part, Colonel Al-Matari affirmed that the visit comes within the framework of cooperation with the United Nations to uncover and expose the crimes of aggression, noting that the destruction of ports hinders the delivery of aid and increases the suffering of citizens.
It is worth noting that the ports of Salif and Ras Isa are among the most important seaports for importing basic materials. Their targeting has disrupted operations, amid UN warnings of a worsening humanitarian disaster if the targeting and blockade continue.
The UN mission continues its program of weekly visits to monitor ports as part of the redeployment mechanisms, which are expected to play a role in mobilizing international pressure to halt the targeting of vital civilian facilities in Yemen.
