Hodeidah: Twenty-one fishermen returned to Hodeidah on Wednesday after more than eight months of abduction and torture in Sudanese authorities' prisons. During a reception at the Fish Landing Port, Hodeidah Governor Abdullah Attifi condemned the ongoing abductions and violations against Yemeni fishermen, whether by Sudanese authorities or by the coalition of aggression and its mercenaries in Eritrea. He described these practices as blatant violations of international norms and humanitarian laws.
According to Yemen News Agency, the governor emphasized that the revolutionary and political leadership places great importance on fishermen and their issues, working to support them in facing the challenges imposed by the aggression and blockade. He noted that this group has suffered greatly from direct attacks and the deprivation of their sole source of livelihood.
The governor highlighted that the fishing sector in the governorate has incurred heavy losses due to the deliberate targeting by the coalition, leading to a significant decline in its activity. He called on international organizations to shoulder their responsibilities, condemn these crimes, and work to protect fishermen and ensure their safety.
Deputy Chairman of the Red Sea Fisheries Authority Abdulmalik Sabrah stated that the fishermen deported from Sudan join a long list of Yemeni fishermen who face violations while practicing their only means of earning a living, amid ongoing international silence on these crimes.
The returning fishermen recounted that they were operating in Yemeni territorial waters in November 2024 when their boat engine broke down due to strong winds that pushed them into international waters. There, they were intercepted by a Sudanese navy patrol and taken to Sudanese prisons.
They added that during their detention, they were subjected to various forms of torture and ill-treatment, forced into hard labor while being starved, before being released, having their boat and equipment confiscated, and deported by air to Aden Airport, where they faced further hardship until reaching Hodeidah.
During the reception, attended by Fish Landing Port Director Mohammed Al-Tawil, the governor presented the fishermen with financial assistance to help meet some of their needs upon returning to their families.