Yemeni ministry refutes Red Sea submarine cable claims

Yemen’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that claims of “a threat to submarine cables passing through Bab-Rl Mandab [strait] are incorrect”, in a statement sent to journalists.

“Yemen’s decision to prevent the passage of Israeli enemy ships does not concern ships belonging to international companies licensed by Maritime Affairs – Sana’a to execute marine cable works,” the ministry said, adding that ships “executing submarine cable works” should “obtain the necessary permits and approvals”.

The ministry said it was responding to claims that had been made by social media accounts and media outlets “affiliated” with Israel.

“The approach of the Yemeni government is to focus on building and development telecom and internet services,” the ministry added.