Yemen emphasizes the need for a comprehensive international strategy to protect maritime navigation from Houthi attacks.

Yemen Calls for Comprehensive International Strategy to Ensure Maritime Security

The Republic of Yemen has emphasized the need for a comprehensive and effective international strategy that integrates national efforts with those of regional and international partners. This strategy aims to address shared challenges and ensure the protection of international shipping lanes, as well as global peace and security. Additionally, Yemen seeks support for its government to establish control over its territory and fulfill its responsibilities in safeguarding its territorial waters.

Statement at the United Nations

Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi, delivered this message during an open Security Council discussion on enhancing maritime security through international cooperation. He stated, "Yemen believes that the foundation of security, stability, and prosperity for all our nations relies on the safety of international shipping routes."

Importance of International Cooperation

Ambassador Al-Saadi highlighted the necessity of collaboration and coordination at all levels. He noted that no single nation can tackle maritime challenges alone without working within a cooperative framework. Furthermore, he urged all member states of the Security Council to adhere to their commitments and fully implement Resolution 2216 (2015) and related resolutions regarding targeted arms embargoes.

Threats from Houthi Militias

The ambassador pointed out that the ongoing smuggling of weapons to the Iran-backed Houthi militias poses a threat not only to Yemen but also to regional and international peace and security. He called for practical cooperation, including with the Yemeni government, to prevent the Houthis from acquiring arms and military technology used in attacks against international shipping.

The Strategic Importance of Yemen’s Coastline

Yemen boasts a coastline extending over 2,500 kilometers, along with numerous islands in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. It overlooks the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime passage through which approximately 30% of global trade transits. The ambassador stressed that maritime security in this region has become a significant concern for the international community, especially in light of recent Houthi attacks that threaten global trade and economic stability.

Historical Warnings and Recent Developments

The Yemeni government has repeatedly warned the Security Council about the dangers posed by Houthi control over the vital port city of Hodeidah. This control undermines the Stockholm Agreement and allows the Houthis to use the port as a platform for smuggling and threatening international navigation. In recent years, the Houthis have significantly increased their attacks on shipping vessels, endangering maritime security.

Environmental and Humanitarian Impact

These attacks have resulted in human and material damage, as well as environmental harm. For instance, the "Rubymar" vessel sank off the Yemeni coast last year, carrying 22,000 tons of ammonia phosphate and 180 tons of fuel, which posed a risk of environmental contamination. The ambassador also noted the growing collaboration between Houthi militias and other terrorist groups, targeting Yemen’s civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities and export ports.

Regional Cooperation Against Maritime Threats

Since 2006, Yemen has worked with the International Maritime Organization to establish a regional mechanism for cooperation among countries to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea. This effort led to the signing of the Djibouti Code of Conduct in 2009. The Regional Maritime Information Exchange Center (REMISC) has played a vital role in monitoring maritime traffic and analyzing incidents.

Expanding Maritime Security Initiatives

The recent amendments to the Djibouti Code have broadened its scope to address various maritime threats, including illegal fishing, smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. This expansion underscores the importance of member states’ cooperation in advancing maritime security in this critical region.

Call for International Support

Yemen reiterates its call for international organizations and friendly nations to provide necessary support for the Yemeni Coast Guard. This includes enhancing capabilities through patrol boats, interception vessels, and surveillance equipment. Such support will enable Yemen to fulfill its responsibilities in protecting its maritime borders and ensuring stability in one of the world’s most vital waterways.

Acknowledgment of UK Support

The Yemeni government appreciates the support from the United Kingdom in strengthening the Coast Guard’s capabilities. Yemen looks forward to launching a maritime security partnership with the UK and international partners in June. The government hopes to receive the necessary resources to combat marine pollution, including addressing contamination from shipwrecks and responding to distress calls from vessels in need.

In conclusion, Yemen’s commitment to maritime security and international cooperation remains steadfast as it seeks to transform its waters from a source of threat into a bridge of peace, as it has historically been.

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