This picture taken on May 14, 2019, shows a general view of Yemeni Hudaydah port, around 230 kilometers west of the capital Sana’a. (Photo by AFP)

Saudi Arabia’s blockade on Yemen is now risking polluting the Red Sea environment as the floating oil tanker SAFER is about to start leaking. The fuel, if sold or exported, could prevent an imminent pollution in the sea and contribute to easing the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. Experts point the finger of blame to Saudi Arabia in case the floating tanker starts to pollute nearby waters.

The US State Department has accused Yemen’s Ansrullah group of preventing the maintenance of SAFER floating oil tanker off Ras Eisa port. Washington claims the move may cause imminent sea pollution. However Ansarullah says they have on several occasions called for the maintenance of the floating tanker but no serious action has been taken so far.

Earlier, Yemen’s national oil company released a statement accusing the Saudi-led coalition of preventing the entry of more than 12 oil tankers. The company says Riyadh’s blockade has also even prevented Yemenis from benefiting from the oil inside the floating tankers.

In repose to the US State Department remarks, the Ansarullah group blamed the coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the US for any leakage from the oil floating tanker, SAFER which is anchored off the coast of Hodeidah port, west of Yemen.

Ansarullah said the Saudi-led coalition bears all the consequences of any leakage, noting that that Washington also bears responsibility for providing political cover and military support for the continuation of the aggression and the siege.

Experts say the imminent environmental pollution in the Red Sea is an evidence of the crippling blockade imposed by the US through its tools in the region. The siege, they say has put the Yemenis in deep troubles over the past years which the US and its regional allies should be held accountable for.

SOURCE: PRESS TV