Barran Press
The Yemeni Ministry of Transportation has accused the Houthi rebels of holding over 1300 Yemeni pilgrims hostage in Jeddah and Mecca, citing the group's seizure of Yemenia Airlines planes. The ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, June 26, condemning the Houthi's actions as a "blatant assault" on the national carrier.
The statement alleges that the Houthis have seized three Yemenia Airlines planes on Tuesday, adding to a fourth plane that has been held captive for a month. These planes were transporting pilgrims from Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport to Sana'a International Airport.
The ministry highlights that Yemenia Airlines has facilitated over 100 flights, transporting 8,000 pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia since the start of the Hajj season, in coordination with the Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance and Saudi authorities.
The statement further criticizes the Houthis for freezing Yemenia Airlines' financial assets in early March 2023, amounting to over $100 million. The group is accused of attempting to control a significant portion of the airline's revenue while refusing to contribute to operational costs.
The Yemeni Ministry of Transportation has condemned these actions as illegal and a violation of international aviation agreements. It has called upon the United Nations and the international community to intervene and secure the release of the seized planes and frozen assets, enabling the airline to protect its assets and continue operating.
Yemenia Airlines has issued an apology to the pilgrims for its inability to transport them to Sana'a, citing the Houthis' seizure of their aircraft. The airline considers this act a threat to the safety of aviation in Yemen.