The Foreign Minister discusses Houthi escalation and its threats to regional security and international navigation with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Discusses Houthi Escalation with U.S. Charge d’Affaires

Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba, today met with the U.S. Charge d’Affaires to Yemen, Neil Hope, to discuss the latest developments regarding the Houthi escalation and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. They also focused on supporting the Yemeni government and its institutions.

Maritime Security Concerns

The two officials addressed maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. They highlighted the Houthi threats to freedom of navigation, international trade, and supply lines. Additionally, they explored ways to strengthen international coordination and support the capabilities of Yemeni forces. This support aims to empower state institutions to protect the coasts and ports while countering sources of threat.

Humanitarian Impact of Houthi Attacks

Minister Al-Zuba reviewed the terrorist attacks carried out by Houthi militias in Taiz Governorate. These attacks have targeted civilians, displaced persons, residential areas, and civilian facilities. The escalation in the western coast, Bab al-Mandab, and several other governorates has resulted in casualties, waves of displacement, and worsening humanitarian suffering.

Commitment to National Defense

Minister Al-Zuba emphasized that the state remains committed to its constitutional duty to defend its citizens and counter the Houthi coup project supported by the Iranian regime. She warned of the terrorist axis formed by the militias in conjunction with terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa, which poses an increasing threat on both sides of the Red Sea. She stressed that the security of Yemen and its regional surroundings are interconnected, making the response to this danger a shared regional and international responsibility.

Call for International Action

The Foreign Minister warned about the dangers posed by the militias’ use of Iranian-origin missiles, which threaten the safety of civil aviation and international air routes. She called for a firm international stance and effective action to enforce the arms embargo imposed on the militias and to halt the flow of Iranian weapons and expertise to them.

Appreciation for U.S. Support

Minister Al-Zuba praised the U.S. positions supporting the Presidential Leadership Council, the government, and state institutions. She expressed the government’s desire to enhance coordination and expand areas of bilateral cooperation in addressing current challenges, which serve mutual interests and strengthen security and stability in Yemen and the region.

U.S. Commitment to Yemen’s Security

For his part, Charge d’Affaires Hope reaffirmed the United States’ rejection of Houthi threats to international navigation and regional stability. He reiterated U.S. support for Yemen’s security, unity, and stability.

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