News - Yemen: The leadership of Saadah Governorate has denounced the falsehoods and misinformation published by the U.S. Central Command regarding the food stored in the World Food Programme (WFP) warehouses in the governorate.  

In a release, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has accused Ansarullah of seizing food stock from a World Food Program (WFP) warehouse.

The statement pointed out that food aid provided by the WFP was reduced at the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war under the pretext of donors redirecting support to Ukraine. It also highlighted the introduction of spoiled and damaged food shipments unfit for human consumption, and in some cases, not even suitable for animals.  

The statement clarified that the United Nations has suspended the distribution of food aid from the WFP in Saadah Governorate for over 16 months, with the last distribution cycle taking place in October 2023.  

It noted that meetings were held with WFP officials in Saada and Sana’a, involving the governorate’s leadership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, in an attempt to find fair and reasonable solutions. However, the WFP repeatedly delayed and postponed addressing the issues under various pretexts.  

The statement added that, based on the above, the local authority in the governorate decided not to allow humanitarian aid to be used as a political tool by the United Nations against the Yemeni people. It approved the distribution and transfer of aid from the warehouses in Saada Governorate to Al-Jawf Governorate.  

The statement continued, "Several days ago, the local authority took steps to open the aid warehouses in the governorate and begin distributing food baskets to prevent their spoilage. This was done in accordance with the distribution mechanism and programme approved by the WFP and through the implementing partners previously selected by the programme, under the supervision of the Office of Humanitarian Affairs in the governorate and the relevant authorities."  

It explained that the local authority in the governorate provided approximately 20% of the total food baskets available in the warehouses to cover the shortfall in the number required for distribution to the remaining districts of the governorate for the most vulnerable groups. It also collaborated with the implementing partners to cover the costs and logistical needs of transportation and distribution to beneficiaries through a loan provided to the partners.  

The local authority concluded its statement by saying, "While we condemn the inhumane decision of the UN Secretary-General to suspend the UN’s operations in the governorate and consider it complicity in the American aggression against the people of the governorate, we affirm that those who kill the people of the governorate with airstrikes and missiles in their homes are lying in their claims of caring for the interests of the Yemeni people and alleviating their suffering."

Yemen has long been a focal point of regional and international power struggles, with foreign interventions shaping the course of its conflict. The Saudi-led coalition, backed by the United States, has played a key role in the war on Yemen, imposing blockades and conducting military operations under the pretext of restoring stability. However, after years of conflict, Yemen’s leadership views Saudi Arabia as merely an instrument of American foreign policy, executing Washington’s strategies in the region.

With the recent escalation in Gaza and increasing tensions in the Red Sea, Yemen has positioned itself as a central player in regional resistance, directly challenging both Saudi and US policies. Minister Amer’s remarks reflect Yemen’s firm stance against external interference, emphasizing its preparedness for any escalation while highlighting the shifting dynamics in the region, where American military and political support is proving ineffective in safeguarding its allies.