The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center in Sanaa announced early Saturday a decision to ban the export of US crude oil, effective May 17, 2025.

The move is a direct response to continued US airstrikes across Yemen, which the Center says have targeted civilians and infrastructure, resulting in heavy casualties, including among women and children.

Sanctions, maritime bans on violators

In its statement, the Center warned that companies violating the new oil export ban would be added to the list of aggressors against Yemen. Vessels owned or operated by these companies will also be denied passage through critical regional waters, including the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.

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Targeting US oil transactions

The Center clarified that the decision covers all forms of US oil dealings—prohibiting the export, re-export, transfer, loading, purchase, or sale of US crude oil. This includes ship-to-ship (STS) transfers and indirect or third-party transactions.

The statement cited Law No. (5) of 1445 AH, which defines hostile entities and authorizes sanctions against states and individuals involved in aggression against Yemen or any Arab or Islamic country.

Exemptions and licensing process

Exemptions will be considered for humanitarian purposes or for countries and companies that oppose US policies. Applications for exemption must be submitted via [email protected].

The ban will be enforced starting at 00:01 a.m. Sanaa time on May 17, 2025 (21:01 GMT on May 16).

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