Iran warns Saudis, US against hindering Yemen aid ship

Tehran, May 13, IRNA – Iran's Defense Ministry in a statement released on Wednesday warned Saudi Arabia and US about consequences of blocking an Iranian humanitarian aid ship sailing to Yemen. 'Saudi Arabia and US would be responsible for consequences of any provocative measure and evil advanturism against the Iranian aid ship,' said the statement. The statement was issued in reaction to accusations made by Pentagon officials against Iran's humanitarian move. 'The US is an accomplice to the Saudi regime's crimes by advocating its genocide in Yemen while Iran's humanitarian move is to heal sufferings of the suppressed people of Yemen,' said the statement. Such actions (by American officials) will only increase people's hatred towards US, the Defense Ministry statement stressed. Rejecting the calls for sending the Iranian vessel to Djibouti, the statement said, there will be no guarantee for delivering Iran's humanitarian aid to the needy people in Yemen if it goes to Djibouti. It urged the international community, including the UN, to stop Saudi airstrikes against Yemen. Tehran has said that the ship, which departed on Monday, is carrying food, medicine, tents and blankets, as well as reporters, rescue workers and peace activists. The ship is expected to arrive at Yemen's port city of Hodeidah next week. Iran's navy said Tuesday it will protect the ship. Saudi Arabia launched its bombing campaign against Yemen on March 26 in an attempt to restore power to fugitive President Mansour Hadi, a staunch ally of Riyadh. Hadi stepped down in January and refused to reconsider the decision despite calls by Ansarullah revolutionaries of the Houthi movement. Despite Riyadh's claims that it is bombing the positions of the Ansarullah fighters, Saudi warplanes are flattening residential areas and civilian infrastructures. According to FNA tallies, the Monarchy's attacks have so far claimed the lives of at least 3,755 civilians, mostly women and children.