Yemen’s Houthis will keep blockade on Israeli vessels after asset sale reports

Sarea said the Houthis will continue imposing their naval blockade on Israel and would target any ships belonging to, linked to, or heading to Israel. (File/AFP)
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Updated 03 November 2024
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Yemen’s Houthis will keep blockade on Israeli vessels after asset sale reports

  • “Intelligence information confirms many companies operating in maritime shipping affiliated to the Israeli enemy are working to sell their assets”: Spokesperson

CAIRO: Yemen’s Houthis said on Sunday they would maintain their maritime blockade against Israeli vessels in response to “intelligence information” regarding Israeli shipping companies selling their assets to other companies.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have said they are intensifying their attacks to support Hamas and Hezbollah in their resistance against Israeli actions in the region.
“Intelligence information confirms that many companies operating in maritime shipping affiliated to the Israeli enemy are working to sell their assets and transfer their properties from shipping and maritime transport ships to other companies,” said Yahya Sarea, military spokesperson of the group.
The Houthis will not recognize any changes of ownership and warned against any collaboration with these companies, Sarea said in a televised address.
Sarea also said the Houthis will continue imposing their naval blockade on Israel and would target any ships belonging to, linked to, or heading to Israel.
He said the blockade would continue until “the aggression stops and the siege on the Gaza Strip is lifted and the aggression on Lebanon stops.”


Syrian authorities bust smuggling ring, tighten border controls

Updated 6 sec ago
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Syrian authorities bust smuggling ring, tighten border controls

  • Smugglers' boat collides with rocks as it attempted to flee pursuing as Coast Guard vessels 
  • The boat was about to illegally transport passengers from the Syrian coast of Tartus coast to Cyprus

DAMASCUS: Syrian Coast Guard forces have arrested members of a human smuggling network operating in the western town of Tartus, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported Saturday.

Authorities pounced on the smugglers as they were about to transport passengers from the Tartus coast to Cyprus by illegal means, the state media said, citing a statement from the General Authority of Ports and Customs. 

"The operation resulted in the arrest of all those involved, including the organizers of the trip," said the report, adding that the smugglers' boat attempted to escape as Coast Guard vessels surrounded it, but collided with rocks. 

No details were made available on how many suspects were arrested and how many passengers were rescued. Criminal charges are being prepared against the arrested suspects, SANA said.

Headquarters of the Syrian General Authority of Ports and Customs in Damascus. (SANA photo) 

New restrictions on commercial transit

In a separate move to regulate trade and border security, the ports and customs authority has issued a new policy restricting truck access at land crossings and seaports.

Commercial trucks will now only be permitted entry for loading or unloading upon presentation of an original receipt from the Ministry of Transport’s freight office.

The transfer of cargo between Syrian and non-Syrian vehicles must now take place strictly within designated customs yards at border crossings.

Trucks passing through Syria in transit remain permitted, provided they are under a mandatory customs escort between entry and exit points.