The Yemen Petroleum Company (YPC) informed that the Saudi-led coalition diverted a fifth fuel vessel to a Saudi port.
The vessel was heading for the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah, part of a tussle over imports into the war-torn country.
According to Essam al-Mutawakkal, who heads the YPC in Houthi areas,said five such fuel ships that had received United Nations clearances to enter Yemen were currently being detained by the coalition.
What is more, restrictions on the import of fuel and other goods into Yemen have been a strong point of contention in the conflict. The Houthis have demanded the air and sea blockade be lifted before any peace deal.
Earlier this week, the Houthis seized a United Arab Emirates-flagged cargo vessel in the Red Sea that they said was engaged in “hostile acts”, but which the Saudis said was carrying hospital equipment.
The U.S. State Department condemned the Houthis’ seizure of the ship and urged its release, adding all parties should be de-escalating and returning to inclusive political talks.
