UN aid official: Houthis blocking food for thousands in Yemen
A World Food Programme spokesperson says Yemen’s
Iran-backed Houthi militia have blocked a shipment meant to feed some 100,000
families in the war-torn nation that’s been pushed to the brink of starvation.
The official says the aid was blocked after the WFP
partially suspended aid last week after accusing the Houthis of looting.
The Houthis, who control northern Yemen, responded
with a fierce media campaign against the WFP, accusing it of sending spoiled
food.
The official says the Houthis ordered over 8,000
tons of flour sent by the WFP out of the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, claiming it
was contaminated with dead insects.
A subsequent check on the cargo, now docked in Oman,
showed it was clean.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity to
discuss the incident.
