The Foreign Minister sends a message to the Security Council and the United Nations regarding Houthi escalation and its risks to international navigation.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Addresses UN Security Council on Houthi Escalation

Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba has sent a message to the President of the UN Security Council, Jerome Bonafon, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The message highlights the military escalation by Houthi militias, supported by the Iranian regime, in the provinces of Taiz and Hodeidah. It also addresses the humanitarian and security implications of these developments, as well as the risks posed by their movements towards the western coast and Bab al-Mandab on the security of the Red Sea and international navigation and trade.

Houthi Movements Represent Broader Strategy

Minister Al-Zouba emphasized that the Houthi movements in western Taiz and southern Hodeidah, aimed at areas along the western coast adjacent to Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea, should not be viewed as isolated local military actions. Instead, she described them as part of a broader strategic effort to impose a new military reality. This reality would enhance the Houthis’ capabilities and those of their Iranian backers to threaten international navigation and control one of the world’s most critical maritime routes.

Increased Threats to Maritime Security

The minister pointed out that the danger of these movements intensifies given the Houthis’ history of targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. She noted that these actions receive support and armament from the Iranian regime.

Humanitarian Consequences of Houthi Escalation

Minister Al-Zouba highlighted the severe humanitarian consequences resulting from the Houthi escalation. The targeting of residential areas, displaced persons camps, and civilian and educational facilities has led to waves of displacement and increasing humanitarian needs. She urged the United Nations, its agencies, donor countries, and humanitarian partners to respond urgently to the needs of affected civilians and displaced families.

Call for International Support and Action

The restoration of the Yemeni state’s sovereignty over its territories, coasts, and ports, as well as securing maritime routes, is essential for the security and stability of Yemen and the region. This action would prevent the use of Yemeni land and waters to threaten regional countries and international navigation and trade.

The Yemeni government called on the Security Council to take a clear and firm stance regarding the Houthi escalation and its risks to the security and stability of Yemen, the region, the Red Sea, and Bab al-Mandab. The government condemned the targeting of civilians, displaced persons camps, and civilian infrastructure, urging necessary pressure to halt these aggressions and compel the militias to respect international humanitarian law.

Urgent Measures Needed Against Houthi Threats

The Yemeni government also called for serious action against the ongoing Houthi threats to international navigation and trade. It urged the effective implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly resolutions 2140 and 2216. Additionally, the government called for measures to stop the flow of weapons, technology, expertise, and funding to the Houthi militias. It emphasized the need to support the Yemeni government and its institutions in protecting the country’s territories, coasts, ports, and territorial waters, as well as securing international maritime routes.

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