The Information Minister welcomes U.S. Treasury sanctions on Houthi networks involved in arms smuggling and funding terrorism.

Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Welcomes Action

Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has expressed strong support for the recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department. The sanctions target over a dozen individuals and entities involved in arms smuggling, dual-use components, money laundering, and the sale of Iranian oil to benefit the Iran-aligned Houthi militia. Notably, one of the sanctioned individuals is Hashim Al-Madani, who falsely claims to be the head of the Central Bank of Yemen branch in Sana’a.

Commitment to Combat Terrorism

In a press statement, Al-Eryani emphasized that these actions reaffirm the United States’ commitment to combating terrorism and cutting off its funding sources. He noted that the sanctions exert genuine pressure on the Houthi militia, compelling them to abandon their destabilizing terrorist activities. Al-Eryani urged the militia to engage earnestly in efforts to end the war and achieve peace in the region.

Call for Expanded Sanctions

Al-Eryani underscored the need for the continuation and expansion of these sanctions to include more individuals and entities linked to the Houthi militia, both domestically and internationally. He advocated for a broader scope that encompasses all financing and support networks fueling this terrorist organization.

Threat to Regional and Global Security

The Minister highlighted that these sanctions represent a significant step toward enhancing regional and global security. He characterized the Houthi militia as an Iranian proxy that poses a substantial threat not only to Yemen but to the entire region. Their actions, which include targeting international shipping and commerce, as well as aggression against neighboring countries, contribute to the ongoing war and terrorism in Yemen and beyond.

Urgent Need for International Action

Al-Eryani pointed out that the continued international silence regarding the Houthi militia’s threats to regional and global security is no longer acceptable. He called for the U.S. sanctions against Houthi leaders and entities to mark the beginning of a series of decisive actions. These actions should encompass sanctions targeting the entire militia, from military and political leaders to financial and media networks promoting their terrorist activities.

Unity Against Houthi Militia

The Minister stressed the importance of a unified international response to the Houthi militia. He urged the global community to take punitive measures against them and work towards classifying the militia as a “global terrorist organization.” Furthermore, he called for the prosecution of its leaders in international criminal courts for the crimes and violations committed against civilians, as well as their terrorist activities that blatantly violate international laws and treaties.

In conclusion, Al-Eryani’s statements reflect a strong stance against the Houthi militia and a call for concerted international efforts to address the ongoing threats they pose to peace and stability in Yemen and the wider region.

 

To follow the news in Arabic