Closure of al-Makha port leaves workers and traders fearing for the future | Conflict News
Taiz, Yemen – Mohammed Al-Homaidi, a laborer in his 30s, has worked at the al-Makha port in western Yemen since its reopening in 2021. While his daily wage was essential for supporting his family, recent escalations in conflict have shifted his focus from earning a living to ensuring his safety.
On August 9, Al-Homaidi was on the job when a series of Houthi attacks struck the port, claiming the lives of at least seven people. As tensions heightened between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis following the collapse of a longstanding truce, he found himself prioritizing his survival. “It was around 12:30 p.m. when the explosions were heard at the seaport, which was full of workers at the time,” he recounted. “After about an hour and a half, I ran outside the port and didn’t stop until I reached home.”
The barrage of Houthi drone and missile strikes also left approximately 30 others injured, with ongoing assaults continuing to result in casualties. On August 11, the Houthis targeted a vessel at the port, killing three Pakistani crew members and injuring eight others. By August 14, strikes had damaged two cargo ships and significant infrastructure at the port.
As a result of these repeated attacks, operations were suspended on August 14 to protect the port’s 1,500 workers. “I am happy that we are safe at home today, but we are jobless now because we rely on daily wages,” Al-Homaidi said. “I don’t have any savings, and our food at home is running out. How can I provide basic needs for my family?”
Al-Homaidi also has experience in fishing, another key industry in al-Makha, but ongoing attacks have made this option perilous. Local authorities have advised fishermen to refrain from going out to sea for safety reasons. Nonetheless, some fishermen attempted to go out on August 11, and their families are now anxiously searching for them after they failed to return.
The threat of Houthi attacks has led to the closure of public beaches, parks, and other community spaces. Families are largely confined indoors, avoiding the risk of drone and missile strikes. A nightly curfew on motorcycles from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. has been implemented due to security concerns. Additionally, residents are experiencing a blackout of landline and mobile communications, with only a few able to access Starlink satellite internet.
Abdulmalik Al-Sharabi, director of al-Makha port, confirmed that the persistent Houthi attacks have led to a complete halt in operations. Since the recent violence began, at least six merchant vessels carrying commercial cargo have been struck, resulting in civilian and seaman casualties. “More than 1,500 port workers lost their jobs, while 16 were killed and 22 injured as a result of the Houthi attacks,” Al-Sharabi stated.
He added that missile strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure, completely disrupting operations at the port and affecting not only al-Makha but also nearby economic hubs such as Lahj, Hodeidah, and Ibb. With the port now closed, traders will be forced to reroute imports through the port of Aden, increasing logistics costs.
Abdulraoof Abdullah, a local fisherman, faces a dire situation. With no income since August 11, he struggles to provide for his family of eight. “We try to secure meals each day either by going into debt or asking friends for help,” Abdullah shared. He expressed concern that reduced port operations and food imports would lead to rising market prices.
Rashad, a local trader, also feels the impact of the port’s closure. With goods currently held in Djibouti and shipping costs rising due to ongoing tensions, he anticipates significantly higher transportation costs to deliver products to al-Makha. “Any price increase directly impacts my family and neighbors – something I desperately want to avoid,” Rashad voiced. “Unless al-Makha seaport reopens soon, price hikes will be inevitable.”
While Rashad was not directly affected by the recent Houthi strikes, he empathizes with fellow traders facing financial losses. “No one can imagine the devastation felt by traders who lost everything at al-Makha port,” he said. “The harsh reality of this war has impacted every single Yemeni, and we are no exception.”
