Mazhar, a fisherman from al-Makha (Mocha) on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, has struggled to make a living since the outbreak of war in 2015. The region’s fishing industry has been devastated, with fish exports dropping by about 70 percent since the early years of the conflict, according to a 2018 study.
Recently, Mazhar reported that a fishing boat in al-Khawkhah was fired upon, resulting in the loss of two colleagues. The cause of the attack remains unknown, and authorities have not provided an explanation.
The dangers for fishermen are numerous. Doubla stated that sea mines have killed 264 fishermen and maimed 215 others, forcing many to seek alternative livelihoods. Additionally, fishermen have faced detention by pirates operating in the Red Sea.
Before 2018, local fishermen reported that the National Resistance Force, from which the Guardians of the Republic later emerged, restricted access to deep waters and reefs.
The Houthis have intensified attacks on shipping in the region since October 2023, following the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza, including recent strikes on Saudi vessels.
These escalating threats have made the Red Sea a perilous zone for Yemeni fishermen, many of whom have abandoned fishing in search of safer work.
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