NYN I News
Informed maritime sources in the Yemeni city of Hudaydah revealed to Al-Akhbar newspaper a noticeable increase in the movement of commercial ships crossing the Red Sea last week, with all vessels adhering to the conditions set by Sana’a’s naval forces. These conditions include operating Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) without manipulation and clearly disclosing their destinations.
The sources confirmed that Sana’a’s naval forces provide proactive protection to ships that comply with these conditions, particularly in the strategic Zubair Islands archipelago near international waters, in accordance with Yemeni maritime law.
The recent increase in ship traffic suggests that Sana’a has successfully turned its security conditions into a practical standard for safe navigation, rather than being perceived as a “threat,” as portrayed by Western countries in the past.
According to observers, ships’ commitment to operating identification systems reduces the risk of being mistaken for military targets, while disclosing their destination serves as a guarantee against arms smuggling or violations of the Israeli blockade.
One maritime source stated: “No incidents of targeting have been recorded for ships adhering to the conditions. In fact, Sana’a’s naval patrols intervene to reassure captains and secure their routes, especially near the Zubair Islands, which experience sporadic piracy.” The source added: “Yemeni maritime law is applied strictly, but it does not contradict international agreements if ships adhere to transparency.”
No official comments have been issued by the Western coalition or Israel regarding the new statements, but European diplomatic sources indicated to the media—on condition of anonymity—that Sana’a has succeeded in turning its maritime leverage into an effective tool for the Palestinians, especially following the hijacking of the “Galaxy Leader” ship last year, which is still under the control of Yemeni forces.
Through these steps, Sana’a is reaffirming itself as a regional maritime actor that cannot be ignored, at a time when questions are increasing about the Western coalition’s ability to continue portraying its operations as “disruptive,” while the statistics show otherwise.
