Release of Ship’s Crew, ‘a Step in the Right Direction’: UN Yemen Envoy
2025-01-22, 12:00 | Middle East
The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, welcomed the release of four crew members from the United Arab Emirates-flagged oil tanker, Rwabee, by the Houthi authorities.
The Rwabee was seized by the Iran-backed Houthis off Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah in January 2022. The tanker was loaded with condensate, a light oil used to produce gasoline.
“I commend the efforts that led to the release of the remaining four crew members today. This is a step in the right direction,” Grundberg said in a statement.
He urged the Houthis to release the remaining 11 crew members who are still being held.
“I continue to call for the unconditional release of all remaining crew members and the return of the vessel. The well-being and safety of civilians must be respected,” Grundberg said.
The seizure of the Rwabee and the detention of its crew raised concerns about the safety of shipping in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest waterways.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for nearly eight years. The Houthis have been fighting the internationally recognised government, which is backed by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia.
The war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with millions of people facing hunger and displacement. The UN estimates that more than 370,000 Yemenis have died as a result of the conflict.
Release of ship’s crew, ‘a step in the right direction’: UN Yemen envoy
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