Yemen calls on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to classify Houthi militias as a terrorist organization.

Yemen Calls for Strong Action Against Houthi Militias

The Republic of Yemen has urged member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take a firm stance by designating Houthi militias as a terrorist organization. The Yemeni government seeks to cut off their funding sources and halt the flow of weapons and military expertise to these groups, which pose a continuous threat to regional security and stability.

Yemen’s Foreign Minister Addresses OIC Meeting

This call to action came during a speech delivered by Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba, at the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Baghdad, Iraq, on Saturday.

Urgent Need for Unified Islamic Solidarity

Dr. Al-Zuba emphasized that the escalating threats in the region require transforming Islamic solidarity from a mere slogan into a unified position with practical steps. These measures should protect the citizens and resources of member states. She warned against the dangers of allowing Houthi militias, backed by the Iranian regime, to undermine state institutions and prolong the conflict.

Houthi Attacks Highlight Criminal Nature

The Foreign Minister pointed out that the Houthi militias’ recent missile attacks on the presidential and governmental headquarters in the temporary capital, Aden, along with their blockade of Taiz and Marib, illustrate their criminal nature. She urged the Yemeni state to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities through the “Fajr Yemen” operation, announced by President Rashad Al-Alimi, aimed at restoring state institutions and asserting authority across the nation.

Commitment to Peace and Sovereignty

Dr. Al-Zuba reiterated that the Yemeni government, which has pursued peace for twelve years, will not accept peace as a cover for legitimizing the coup and the use of weapons outside state control. She stressed that a just and lasting peace must respect Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while restoring its institutions and adhering to the agreed-upon comprehensive solution references, particularly UN Resolution 2216.

Iranian Support for Houthis Fuels Conflict

The Foreign Minister noted that the ongoing war in Yemen cannot be separated from the military and technical support Iran provides to the Houthi militias. This support prolongs the conflict and turns Yemeni territory into a platform for threatening regional security. She stated that such interventions contradict the principles of good neighborliness and respect for the sovereignty of member states, as outlined in the OIC Charter, necessitating a clear and responsible stance against any interference that fuels the conflict.

Criticism of Iranian Mediation Calls

Dr. Al-Zuba criticized the hypocrisy of Iran calling for mediation while arming and training the Houthi militias. She highlighted the stark contrast between Iran’s polished political rhetoric and its destructive actions, which aim to mislead the world about the nature of the war and legitimize the coup.

Condemnation of Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Minister strongly condemned the Houthi attacks targeting cities, airports, and civilian facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including attempts to strike Mecca and Medina. She asserted that these assaults are unjustifiable under any political or military pretext and that protecting the two holy mosques is a shared Islamic responsibility.

Importance of Securing Maritime Navigation

In her address, Dr. Al-Zuba emphasized the need to empower Yemeni state institutions, particularly the Coast Guard, to assert their sovereignty and protect international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden. She warned against the dangers of cross-border terrorist cooperation between militias, terrorist groups, and smuggling networks.

Yemen’s Support for Palestine

Regarding the Palestinian issue, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Yemen’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their struggle to end occupation and establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. She criticized the Houthi militias for exploiting Palestinian slogans to cover their agendas and distract from their crimes, including attacks on Mecca and Medina.

Dr. Al-Zuba concluded by stating that Yemen’s position on Palestine, shared by its leadership, government, and people, is too profound to be hijacked by militias that have inflicted suffering on Yemenis.

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