NEW YORK, 12 January 2022, (TON): The UN expressed great concern over allegations that the ports of the Yemeni city of Hodeidah are being used for warfare by the Houthi militia, as the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement demanded access for inspection.

The UNMHA reminded parties to the conflict that the ports are a crucial lifeline for millions of Yemenis, called on them to preserve the civilian character of the ports’ infrastructure, and urged restraint in resolving the matter.

Last week, the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen condemned the Houthis for using the ports to launch attacks on global maritime trade, as well as produce and smuggle weapons.

The coalition said “the Houthi rebels have been practicing piracy in the international waters of the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab, which threatens maritime security and poses a big threat to global trade.”

It added that the Houthis’ attack on the UAE’s Rawabi ship is “a severe violation of international laws and threatens maritime security.”

The coalition said the seized vessel was carrying medical supplies. Its hijacking by the Houthis raised fears that the conflict could spill over into the Red Sea, a vital maritime route for oil and trade between Europe and the Middle East.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric expressed concern over the renewed fighting in Yemen, which “can only have a negative impact on the already extremely dire humanitarian situation” in the country.