The Minister of Information stated that regaining control of ports from the Houthis is a priority for regional and international security.

The Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has condemned the Houthi militias, which are backed by the Iranian regime, for their ongoing exploitation of air and sea ports in areas under their control. He stated that these ports have become gateways for the passage of weapons, military experts, and fighters, violating both the letter and spirit of the humanitarian ceasefire agreement. Al-Eryani emphasized that the absence of effective international mechanisms and weak oversight of maritime and aerial transport operations have allowed this situation to persist.

Houthi Ports: From Humanitarian to Military Supply Lines

Al-Eryani further explained that the Houthi militias have transformed these ports into supply points to enhance their military capabilities. Instead of using them for purely humanitarian purposes, as initially agreed, the Houthis have exploited the three ports in Hodeidah—Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa—for smuggling weapons. Additionally, they have utilized Sana’a International Airport as a platform to receive military experts from Iran, Hezbollah, and the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces.

Financial Gains from Exploitation

The Minister highlighted that these air and sea ports have become a primary financial artery for the Houthi militias. They impose taxes and customs duties on oil derivatives and other goods, generating substantial revenue. This income funds the purchase and smuggling of weapons to bolster their combat capabilities, finance terrorist operations, and sustain their military campaigns. Furthermore, it allows them to pay salaries to fighters and recruit more personnel, including children, to support their frontlines.

UN Reports Confirm Weapon Smuggling

Al-Eryani pointed to reports from the United Nations expert team, which confirmed that the Houthi militia has used maritime routes to smuggle advanced weapons from Iran. These include hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles, as well as offensive drones and unmanned explosive boats. The Houthis have employed these weapons to target maritime shipping lanes and international trade, making their control over these ports a direct threat to regional and international security.

Call for International Action

Al-Eryani urged the international community to take decisive action to stop the Houthi militias from exploiting air and sea ports to support terrorist activities and destabilize regional security. He stressed that supporting the Yemeni government’s efforts to regain control over these ports is crucial for ensuring their use for humanitarian and developmental purposes. He also called for the continuation of stringent sanctions against Houthi leaders involved in smuggling and terrorism.

The Urgency of a Coordinated International Response

The Minister asserted that the ongoing silence from the international community regarding Houthi violations is no longer acceptable. Ignoring their repeated and unlawful exploitation of strategic ports poses a direct threat to peace and security in Yemen and the broader region. He warned that keeping these ports outside state control would perpetuate the cycle of war and humanitarian suffering, leading to increased cross-border chaos.

Al-Eryani concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for a coordinated, immediate, and firm international response to support Yemen’s sovereignty over all air and sea ports, cut off funding sources for the war, and protect regional and international security.

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