Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Raises Concerns
In a recent statement, Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar al-Eryani, criticized the international community for its lack of seriousness in addressing the threats posed by the Iran-backed Houthi militia. Al-Eryani highlighted the significant risk these threats pose to the security and safety of international trade movements in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, emphasizing the potential global security implications.
International Silence on Houthi Practices
Al-Eryani expressed his astonishment at the continued silence of the international community towards the Houthi militia’s actions, including attacks on commercial ships and oil tankers, piracy, deploying explosive boats, and laying sea mines. These activities threaten one of the world’s most strategic maritime passages, undermining international efforts to achieve peace and stability in Yemen and the broader region.
The Impact on Global Trade and Economy
The minister pointed out that the international community’s tolerance of these criminal activities indirectly encourages the Houthi militia to persist in their terrorist activities. This not only sends a message that attacks on international interests can go unpunished but also opens the door to further chaos and instability in Yemen and its surrounding areas. Al-Eryani also noted how these terrorist acts disrupt the flow of goods and fuel, leading to increased shipping and insurance costs, which negatively affect the global economy and threaten to raise the prices of basic commodities, especially in developing countries reliant on imports.
Humanitarian and Environmental Risks
Al-Eryani stressed the random nature of these terrorist attacks, which pose severe humanitarian risks, endangering the lives of ship crews and threatening marine environments with the potential for oil spills and pollution. This could paralyze navigation and exacerbate the suffering of local communities in Yemen and neighboring countries that depend on fishing and marine resources.
Call for International Action
Since November, Yemen and international trade have paid a high price due to the lack of a serious policy from the international community and the absence of genuine, deterrent actions against the Houthi militia, which acts as a willing tool for the Iranian regime. Al-Eryani called for urgent action to deter the Houthi militia, including imposing stringent sanctions, to protect international trade and ensure regional security and stability. He also advocated for the classification of the group as a “global terrorist organization” and for political, economic, and military support for Yemen’s legitimate government to restore control and stability throughout the country.
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