Iran to send cargo ship to Yemen as truce takes effect: Tasnim

By

An Iranian cargo ship will set sail for the rebel-held Yemeni port of Hodeida on Sunday evening, Iran's Tasnim news agency said, in a move likely to fan further tensions with Saudi-led forces blockading the country.

Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi militia earlier on Sunday accepted a five-day ceasefire proposed by Saudi Arabia after more than a month of bombing that has caused severe shortages of food, medicine and fuel.

Tasnim reported that the cargo ship would carry 2,500 tonnes of humanitarian aid including food staples and medicine.

Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies have accused Iran of seeking to smuggle weapons and ammunition to the Houthis and have imposed a sea and air blockade on Yemen.

Coalition jets destroyed the runway of Sanaa airport last month to prevent an Iranian plane from landing. Tehran said it was carrying aid.

Yemen imports more than 90 percent of its food and aid agencies have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe.

Iran denies funding and arming the Houthis, but Sunni Muslim Gulf countries believe the Islamic Republic is using the Shi'ite Muslim group to gain a foothold in the Arabian Peninsula.

Supported by the United States, the Saudi-led coalition began air strikes against the Houthis and army units loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh on March 26 with the aim of restoring the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

Tags
Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran, United States
Join the Discussion
More News
Jeffrey Epstein

Who Are the Most High-Profile Names Mentioned in the Epstein Files?

Dustin Walker

Stepfather Arrested After Sexually Abusing and Impregnating 11-Year-Old Stepdaughter, Denying Her Doctor's Visit During Pregnancy

Joseph Duggar

'19 Kids and Counting' Star Joseph Duggar Posts $600K Bond on Molestation Charges Involving Child Under the Age of 12

Daughter

Wisconsin Mom Fatally Stabs 14-Year-Old Daughter To Protect Her From Elon Musk