Minister of Information: Houthis are converting the UN’s “Nautica” into a reservoir for smuggling Iranian oil.
Houthi Militias Seize UN-Chartered Oil Tanker, Raising Environmental Concerns
Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Speaks Out
Minister Ma’mar al-Eryani condemned the recent actions of Houthi militias, which are backed by the Iranian regime, for seizing the giant oil tanker “Nautica.” The United Nations purchased this vessel in 2023 as part of a plan to salvage the deteriorating tanker “Safer,” anchored off the coast of Hodeidah. This initiative aims to prevent an environmental, humanitarian, and economic disaster threatening Yemen, the region, and the world.
UN’s Investment in Nautica
Al-Eryani highlighted that the UN acquired the “Nautica” for $55 million and initiated the oil discharge from “Safer” in July 2023. The UN continues to bear the operational and maintenance costs of the vessel to protect the marine environment in the Red Sea and ensure the safety of international navigation. However, the Houthi militia has reportedly repurposed the tanker as a floating storage unit for oil imported from Iran, exploiting UN resources for their narrow interests.
Environmental Risks from Houthi Control
Both the “Nautica” and “Safer” tankers remain under the effective control of Houthi militias, despite their deteriorating condition and the risk of sinking or exploding. The Houthis now use these vessels to store oil shipments arriving at ports under their control, especially following recent damage to storage tanks at the Ras Issa oil port. This situation poses catastrophic environmental risks, including potential leaks, explosions, or sinking incidents involving the “Safer.”
Violation of International Agreements
Al-Eryani emphasized that the Houthi seizure of the “Nautica,” a UN asset designated for specific use under international agreements, constitutes a serious breach of the UN’s commitments regarding the “Safer” salvage plan. This act directly undermines the sovereignty of the UN and the efforts of the international community, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens the safety of UN operations in conflict zones worldwide.
Houthi Actions Reflect Criminal Intent
The minister pointed out that these actions reaffirm the Houthi militia’s status as a criminal organization that disregards its commitments under UN-sponsored agreements. The Houthis continue to exploit Yemen’s resources to further Iran’s destructive agenda, jeopardizing energy security and international navigation in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
Call for International Investigation
In August 2023, the Yemeni government warned of the risks associated with the Houthis potentially using the “Nautica” after the completion of the “Safer” discharge operation. Al-Eryani urged the UN to monitor the stages of the salvage plan closely and take necessary measures to prevent the militia from using the alternative tanker for its interests.
Urgent Action Required
Al-Eryani called on the international community, the UN, the Security Council, and UN expert teams to launch an urgent investigation into this incident. He demanded the restoration of full UN oversight over the “Nautica” and emphasized the need to prevent the Houthis from using it to circumvent American sanctions. Accountability for the militia leaders responsible for these blatant violations of agreements and international laws is essential.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The transformation of the “Nautica,” a UN-owned vessel, into a storage unit for smuggling Iranian oil represents a blatant challenge to international legitimacy. Al-Eryani stressed that the international community’s silence regarding this serious escalation would be interpreted as a green light for the Houthis to continue their violations. Immediate action is necessary to address this looming threat to Yemen, the region, and the world.
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