Al-Makha Port Closure Sparks Economic Uncertainty in Yemen

In Taiz, Yemen, the closure of al-Makha port has thrust hundreds of workers into uncertainty as ongoing Houthi attacks continue to threaten their livelihoods. The port, which resumed operations in 2021, was once a vital source of income for many families, but recent escalations in conflict have disrupted life drastically.

On August 9, a barrage of Houthi drone and missile strikes targeted the port, killing at least seven individuals and injuring dozens more. Mohammed Al-Homaidi, a local laborer, described the chaos of that day, stating, "It was around 12:30pm when the explosions were heard at the seaport, which was full of workers at the time. I couldn’t understand what was happening, and we couldn’t flee because the explosions were continuous." After a harrowing escape, he now faces the grim reality of joblessness.

With the port's operations suspended to protect its 1,500 employees from further violence, many like Al-Homaidi are struggling to provide for their families. “I don’t have any savings, and our food at home is running out. How can I provide basic needs for my family?” he lamented. Local fishermen, too, have been ordered to stay ashore due to the danger, leaving many families without any source of income.

The impact of the port's closure extends beyond workers; traders are also feeling the strain. Abdulrahman Al-Sharabi, director of al-Makha port, confirmed that the attacks have resulted in a complete halt of operations, affecting 30 shipping and customs agencies. Over the past weeks, six merchant vessels have been struck, causing casualties and further damage to the port’s infrastructure.

As the port remains closed, traders like Rashad, who have relied on its operations since 2021, are bracing for increased costs. "Our goods are currently held up in Djibouti, and shipping costs have surged due to ongoing tension in the Red Sea," he explained. Even though his warehouses are stocked with supplies, he fears that once new shipments begin arriving via the port of Aden, prices will inevitably rise.

Local fisherman Abdulraoof Abdullah voiced a similar concern, noting that without the ability to catch fish, his family of eight faces hunger. “We are out of work now, and our homes are almost empty of food. We try to secure meals each day either by going into debt or asking friends for help,” he shared. Abdullah, like many residents, is now relying on prayers for relief.

The closure of al-Makha port not only endangers jobs but also poses a significant threat to the local economy, which heavily depends on this lifeline. Without immediate solutions, families in al-Makha are left to navigate the harsh realities of war and economic instability.

Source: www.aljazeera.com