Yemen declares state of emergency after Mocha port attack, vows readiness for escalation

Yemen’s Minister of Transport, Mohsen Haidara Al-Omari, chaired a meeting of the ministry’s Supreme Emergency Committee in the interim capital Aden on Sunday to discuss the aftermath of the attack on Mocha port in Taiz province, assess the extent of the damage, and review the readiness of ports, airports, and land crossings to respond to any potential developments.

At the start of the meeting, Al-Omari, according to Yemeni media, stressed the importance of raising preparedness levels and strengthening emergency measures across all transport sectors, while developing practical plans and operational alternatives to ensure the continuity of transport and services.

He emphasized the need for the ministry and its affiliated bodies to fulfill their responsibilities in facing emergencies by preparing comprehensive contingency plans covering roads, ports, and flights, and enhancing technical and operational readiness to enable rapid resumption of operations in the event of any disruption or damage.

The minister noted that the government is prepared to respond to any escalation and take necessary measures to protect vital facilities and maintain the functioning of state institutions, highlighting the importance of coordination and integration among the ministry’s sectors in confronting risks posed by current developments.

He stated: “The Houthi terrorist militia shows no regard for the sanctity of civilian and service facilities, which requires ongoing emergency measures and heightened alertness across all ministry institutions,” adding that attacks targeting ports and vital infrastructure pose a direct threat to navigation, transport, and the national economy.

The meeting, held via videoconference, heard briefings from Dr. Abdulmalik Al-Sharabi, Deputy Chairman of the Yemeni Red Sea Ports Corporation and Director General of Mocha Port, on the damage caused by the attack and the steps taken in response, as well as an overview of preparedness across various transport sectors.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Yemeni Ministry of Transport strongly condemned the Houthi militia’s attack on Mocha port earlier in the day with several ballistic missiles and drones, which caused severe damage to the port’s infrastructure.

The ministry affirmed that Mocha port is a civilian facility of economic and navigational importance, and that targeting it constitutes a blatant violation of international laws and norms, endangering the safety of workers and maritime navigation.

It warned of the serious consequences of such actions for maritime safety, the marine environment, and the movement of commercial and humanitarian vessels, reiterating its call for the international community and relevant organizations to assume their responsibilities and take firm action to protect ports and sea lanes and ensure the safety of international navigation.

The ministry stressed its continued commitment to protecting the transport and port sectors and ensuring the continuity of maritime services despite the challenges.