The Houthi’s Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) in Sana’a has issued a decision prohibiting the export of U.S. crude oil, as outlined in Decision No (PD-05-25-001).
According to HOCC, the legal basis for this decision is rooted in Yemeni law concerning hostile states and entities, as well as the Sanctions Regulation on Perpetrators of Aggression against Yemen or any Arab or Islamic State, issued on March 26, 2025.
The decision cites the ongoing U.S. airstrikes against Yemeni civilians and infrastructure, including a particularly devastating attack on April 17, 2025, which targeted the Ras Issa oil port, resulting in civilian casualties and significant damage.
This decision is framed as a response to U.S. aggression and the violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and national resources. As of May 17, 2025, the export, transfer, or sale of U.S. crude oil, including ship-to-ship transfers, will be prohibited.
However, exceptions may be granted for humanitarian purposes or for states and companies opposed to U.S. policies. Violations of this prohibition will lead to sanctions under the Sanctions Regulation.
This measure takes effect on May 17, 2025, at 00:01 local time in Sana’a, and it will be published on the HOCC’s official website.
