Al Hudaydah — Local officials and fishermen in Yemen’s western coastal region have accused the Houthi movement of coercing fishing communities into leasing their boats for military operations in the Red Sea, raising alarm over the safety of civilians and maritime navigation.

According to Ali Al-Ahdal, Director of the Media Office in Al Hudaydah Governorate, Houthi forces have pressured fishermen to either rent out their vessels to armed operatives or personally sail near commercial shipping lanes under threat of retaliation. “They are being used as human shields,” Al-Ahdal stated, calling for international investigation into the alleged abuses.

Fishermen in the region say they have ceased going to sea, fearing their boats may be mistaken for hostile targets by international naval forces. “The sea has become a source of fear, not livelihood,” said one fisherman, who requested anonymity for safety reasons.

Reports suggest that fishing ports and landing centers have been repurposed by Houthi forces for smuggling and reconnaissance activities, further disrupting the local economy and food supply.

The accusations come amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks on commercial vessels have prompted rerouting of global shipping and increased military patrols. Human rights advocates warn that the exploitation of civilian assets for military use violates international humanitarian law and endangers non-combatants.

Calls have been made to the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) to investigate the claims and monitor the situation on the ground.