Kathmandu— The closure of Yemen's al-Makha (Mocha) port on August 18th following repeated Houthi attacks has left over 1,500 workers without income and is disrupting trade routes for essential goods in the region. Located in western Yemen’s Taiz governorate, the port had been operating since 2021, providing a crucial economic lifeline for local communities and serving as an alternative to the congested port of Aden. The escalating conflict between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels—after the collapse of a months-long truce—has led to increased attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, forcing the suspension of operations due to safety concerns and resulting in casualties among workers and seamen.

Port Under Attack

On August 9th, al-Makha port was struck by Houthi attacks that killed at least seven people and injured thirty more. The barrage of drone and missile strikes continued on subsequent days, targeting both the port itself and surrounding areas. On August 11th, three Pakistani crew members were killed and eight others injured when a vessel at the port was hit. Three days later, two cargo ships sustained damage in further attacks, crippling remaining infrastructure. Abdulmalik Al-Sharabi, director of al-Makha port, confirmed to Al Jazeera that six merchant vessels carrying commercial cargo have been struck during this recent escalation.

Economic Impact and Job Losses

The suspension of operations has had an immediate impact on the livelihoods of those dependent on the port. Mohammed Al-Homaidi, a laborer who worked at the port since its reopening, expressed his fears about providing for his family. “I am happy that we are safe at home today, but we are jobless now because we rely on daily wages,” he said. The closure also affects 30 shipping and customs clearance agencies, adding to the growing number of unemployed in the area. The port served as an economic hub for Taiz, Lahj, Hodeidah, and Ibb governorates; its closure will force traders to reroute imports through Aden, significantly increasing transportation costs.

Ripple Effects on Local Communities

Beyond port workers, local fishermen have also been impacted. Authorities ordered them to stay ashore due to the dangerous conditions in the Red Sea, but a group of fishermen defied the order on August 11th and have not returned home, leaving their families desperate for news. The attacks have created an atmosphere of fear, leading to the closure of public spaces like beaches and parks, as well as a nightly curfew on motorcycles. Residents are also facing a communications blackout, with limited access to internet through Starlink satellite service available only to those who can afford it. Abdulraoof Abdullah, a fisherman, described the dire situation: “We are out of work now, and our homes are almost empty of food.”

Traders Face Rising Costs

Local traders like Rashad, who had been importing goods through al-Makha since 2021, are bracing for increased costs. Goods currently en route are being redirected to Aden, adding significant overland transportation expenses. While current warehouse stocks have prevented immediate price increases, traders fear that future shipments will be more expensive, impacting consumers. “I am a resident of al-Makha before I am a trader,” Rashad explained. “Any price increase directly impacts my family and neighbours.” He expressed empathy for fellow traders who lost cargo in the recent attacks.

As of August 18th, al-Makha port remains closed with no immediate plans for reopening announced. The situation continues to be monitored closely as Houthi attacks persist, raising concerns about the long-term economic and humanitarian consequences for the region.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.