Sana'a:The Ministry of Interior has strongly condemned the attack by Saudi forces on the marine lighthouse situated on Mayun Island, commonly referred to as the Bab al-Mandab lighthouse. The incident, described as a blatant attack, poses a threat to a significant civilian facility that holds strategic and international importance, and endangers maritime navigation in one of the world's critical waterways.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Ministry emphasized that the lighthouse, which has been operational for over 170 years and is under the supervision of the Coast Guard Authority, plays a crucial role in guiding ships, particularly at night. The Ministry labeled the attack as an assault on a facility with navigational and humanitarian functions that extend beyond Yemen to ensure the safety of ships, sailors, and the international trade passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Ministry has held international maritime organizations accountable, urging them to take a clear stand against the attack, explicitly condemn it, and take measures to protect civilian maritime facilities from being targeted. They stressed the need for consistency and transparency, avoiding double standards or silence on violations affecting international navigation security committed by the Saudi forces.
Furthermore, the statement criticized Saudi actions, along with American support, for their attempts to militarize the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, transforming this vital maritime passage into a zone of military operations and conflict. The Ministry warned that such actions threaten Yemen’s sovereignty, regional security, and global trade stability.
The Ministry reiterated that civilian maritime facilities' safety and security should be maintained by respecting Yemen's sovereignty and adhering to international maritime laws, rather than through military actions and influence imposition. They called upon the international community and maritime organizations to take responsibility and practical steps to prevent such incidents from recurring.
