Yemen warns against Houthi obstinacy, which prolongs conflict and drags the country into destructive regional struggles.

Yemen Warns Against Houthi Militias’ Continued Defiance

The Republic of Yemen has issued a stern warning regarding the ongoing defiance of Houthi militias, which are backed by the Iranian regime. The Yemeni government expressed concerns that the Houthis’ actions prolong the conflict and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis facing the Yemeni people. The statement highlighted the militia’s plans to revert to violence and plunge Yemen into an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. Additionally, it condemned Iranian interference in Yemen, including the smuggling of weapons and military experts to the Houthis, which violates relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolutions 2216 and 2624.

Statement Delivered at the UN Security Council

Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi, delivered this statement during an open session of the Security Council focused on the situation in the Middle East, specifically Yemen. He emphasized the dire consequences of the Houthis’ actions and their responsibility for dragging Yemen into destructive regional conflicts.

Responsibility for Regional Conflicts

The Yemeni government holds the Houthis and their supporters fully accountable for the severe repercussions of any reckless actions that could further entrench Yemen in crises. These actions include militarizing international waterways and threatening food security, which jeopardizes the remaining opportunities for Yemenis to sustain their livelihoods. The statement pointed out that the Houthis’ reckless adventures have harmed the interests of the Yemeni people and continue to lead to destruction.

Economic and Humanitarian Challenges

Ambassador Al-Saadi noted that the resilient Yemeni people face enormous economic challenges and a humanitarian crisis that has persisted for nearly eleven years due to the war waged by the Iranian-backed Houthis. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government to pursue a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace process. The government remains open to regional and international efforts, including those led by the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, to end the conflict.

Call for Genuine Engagement

The ambassador stressed that achieving peace and stability in Yemen requires the Houthis to demonstrate genuine commitment and engage positively in regional and international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis. He urged the Houthis to abandon the path of war and prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people over their own agendas.

Violations of Human Rights

The Yemeni government condemned the Houthis for committing severe violations against the Yemeni people in areas under their control. These violations include the abduction of UN agency employees, attacks on humanitarian organizations, and the theft of aid. The Houthis have used the suffering of Yemenis as a tool for political leverage.

Humanitarian Crisis and Child Recruitment

The areas controlled by the Houthis have become sites of repression and terrorism, marked by killings, abductions, torture, and extortion. The militia has forcibly recruited thousands of children, sending them to the frontlines. Additionally, they have indiscriminately planted landmines and explosive devices, endangering innocent civilians, especially children, women, and the elderly.

Recent Atrocities

Ambassador Al-Saadi highlighted a recent atrocity in the Al-Salfiyah district of Al-Raimah Governorate, where the Houthis killed Sheikh Saleh Hantous and his grandson, injuring his wife. This attack, which involved besieging their home and launching an armed assault, exemplifies the brutality of the Houthis and their attempts to break the will of the Yemeni community.

Maritime Security Threats

The Yemeni government also condemned the recent piracy incident involving the Houthi militia, which targeted the commercial vessel “Magic Seer” off the coast of Al-Hudaydah. This incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis to maritime security and global trade routes, particularly in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Urgent Call for International Action

The Yemeni government urged international organizations and countries to address the crisis surrounding the “Magic Seer” vessel to prevent an environmental disaster. The ambassador emphasized the need for effective international mechanisms to respond urgently to such incidents, especially given the ongoing Houthi attacks on oil and chemical tankers in international shipping lanes.

Seizure of UN-Chartered Vessel

In a troubling development, the Houthis seized the “Nautica,” a vessel purchased by the UN to implement a plan to salvage the deteriorating “Safer” tanker. This seizure represents a blatant violation of agreements with the UN and undermines efforts to avert an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe.

Commitment to Peace and Stability

Ambassador Al-Saadi reiterated the Yemeni government’s commitment to peace and its support for regional and international efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace based on agreed political solutions, including relevant Security Council resolutions. He stressed that any political approach to resolve the Yemeni crisis must address the root causes, particularly the Houthi coup against the state and its constitutional institutions.

Conclusion

The Yemeni government continues to face significant economic and service challenges. Ambassador Al-Saadi called on friendly nations and international organizations to support Yemen’s efforts to provide essential services and enhance economic recovery. He expressed gratitude for the support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which has been vital in helping Yemen meet its obligations during these challenging times.

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