The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries condemned a new wave of armed attacks by Eritrean forces on Yemeni fishermen in the Red Sea, resulting in casualties, injuries, and the forcible detention of several fishermen, as part of a continuing pattern of violations under the cover of foreign aggression and mercenary collusion.
In a statement, the ministry considered the attacks as a flagrant breach of international maritime, humanitarian, and legal norms, highlighting similar incidents in the Gulf of Aden, including the arbitrary detention of fishermen and seizure of boats and catch by Eritrean and Somali regional authorities.
It stressed that the dignity of its fishermen and its sovereignty over territorial waters are non-negotiable, warning that these crimes cannot expire under the statute of limitations, and criticized international inaction for enabling repeated violations.
The ministry called for the immediate and unconditional release of detained fishermen, restitution of seized boats and equipment, accountability for perpetrators, and urgent intervention by UN agencies and international human rights bodies to protect Yemeni fishermen and prevent further abuses.
Yemeni fishermen regularly face threats from Eritrean and allied forces in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, areas critical for local livelihoods and regional shipping routes.
Past incidents have included the use of firearms, forced detention, and confiscation of vessels, reflecting broader regional tensions and the role of foreign powers and mercenary proxies in undermining Yemeni sovereignty and security.
