Hodeida — A group of 29 Yemeni fishermen returned safely to the Al Khawkhah port in Yemen’s western province of Hodeida after being released by Eritrean authorities, following several days of detention in disputed territorial waters.

According to local sources, the fishermen were apprehended while conducting routine fishing operations near the Red Sea coast. Their boats and equipment were confiscated, and they were reportedly subjected to harsh treatment and poor detention conditions during their captivity.

This incident is part of a recurring pattern of detentions by Eritrean forces, which Yemeni officials have condemned as violations of maritime sovereignty. Over the past year, dozens of similar cases have been documented, with fishermen facing arbitrary arrests, forced labor, and economic losses due to the seizure of their vessels.

Yemeni authorities have called on Eritrea to respect international maritime laws and urged for diplomatic engagement to prevent future violations. Human rights organizations have also expressed concern over the treatment of detainees and the impact on coastal communities that rely heavily on fishing for their livelihood.

The released fishermen were welcomed by family members and local officials, though many expressed frustration over the lack of protection and accountability.