Rights group condemns Saudi attacks on Yemeni fishermen

SANAA, Oct. 21 (YPA) – The Eye of Humanity Center for Rights and Development condemned  Saudi attacks on Yemeni fishermen, describing them as violations of civilian protections under international humanitarian law.

In a statement, the center said the attacks threatened the lives and livelihoods of fishermen and violated the principles of distinction and the prohibition against direct attacks on civilians.

The center said the incidents were part of a broader pattern of violations affecting Yemen’s fishing sector and coastal communities, depriving thousands of families of their main source of income.

According to the center, 1,090 fishermen have been killed or injured in 70 incidents since 2015, including 556 killed and 534 wounded. More than 2,000 Yemeni fishermen have also been detained, while 4,700 fishing boats and fish landing centers have been destroyed, it said.

The center said these losses had damaged Yemen’s fishing industry, threatened food security and worsened the economic hardship facing coastal families.

It held Saudi Arabia responsible for the reported attacks and their humanitarian consequences, calling for accountability and compensation for victims and their families.

The center urged the international community and human rights organizations to protect Yemeni civilians, prevent further attacks on fishermen and their livelihoods, and ensure that those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law are held accountable.

@E.Y.M