21 Yemeni fishermen return after nearly eight months in Sudanese captivity
HODEIDA, Aug. 13 (YPA) – Twenty-one Yemeni fishermen arrived at Hodeida’s fishing port on Wednesday after enduring over eight months of abduction and torture in Sudanese prisons.
Upon their return, Hodeida Governor Abdullah Atifi, strongly condemned the kidnappings and ongoing violations against Yemeni fishermen, whether by Sudanese authorities, the Saudi-led coalition forces, or Eritrean troops.
He described these actions as “a blatant breach of international norms and humanitarian law.”
Atifi emphasized that Yemen’s revolutionary and political leadership prioritizes the welfare of fishermen and is committed to supporting them amid the challenges imposed by “aggression and blockade”—a reference to the Saudi-led coalition’s restrictions.
The governor highlighted the severe hardships faced by fishermen, including direct attacks and the loss of their sole livelihood.
He noted that Hodeida’s fishing sector has suffered massive losses due to deliberate targeting by the Saudi-led coalition forces, drastically reducing its activity.
Atifi called on international organizations to fulfill their responsibilities by condemning these crimes and ensuring the protection of fishermen.
For his part, Abdulmalik Sabrah, Deputy Head of the Red Sea Fisheries Authority, stated that the fishermen deported from Sudan have joined a long list of Yemeni fishermen who face violations while practicing their only means of livelihood—amid ongoing international silence toward these crimes
Meanwhile, the fishermen recounted that their ordeal began in November 2024 when their boat’s engine failed in Yemeni territorial waters due to strong winds, drifting them into international waters. A Sudanese naval patrol intercepted them, detained them, and confiscated their vessel.
During their imprisonment, they endured torture, forced labor, starvation, and inhumane treatment before being released and deported by air to Aden airport. From there, they faced further hardships before finally reaching Hodeidah.
During the reception ceremony, the governor provided the fishermen with financial assistance to help cover some of their needs upon reuniting with their families.
@E.Y.M