Yemen’s government claims Houthi military escalation undermines peace efforts and international initiatives to end the war.

The Yemeni government has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing military escalation by Houthi militias, labeling it a significant evasion of peace obligations. This behavior undermines both regional and international efforts, including those of the United Nations, aimed at ending the prolonged conflict and alleviating the humanitarian crisis affecting the Yemeni people.

Statement to the United Nations Security Council

In a recent statement before the United Nations Security Council during an open session on the situation in the Middle East, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi, Yemen’s permanent representative to the UN, expressed the government’s disapproval of Israeli attacks on Yemen. However, he emphasized that the Houthis bear responsibility for dragging Yemen into regional conflicts. He warned the militias against jeopardizing the fate of the Yemeni people by engaging in reckless battles that serve the interests of their Iranian backers and their expansionist agenda.

Destruction of Yemen’s Infrastructure

The Yemeni government highlighted the destructive approach of the Houthis, who have targeted the nation’s resources for over a decade. These militias have launched terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure, including ports, airports, and vital oil facilities, using ballistic missiles and drones. They have also besieged and attacked cities and villages, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Misrepresentation of Houthi Actions

The government asserted that Houthi attacks are not acts of defense for the Palestinian people in Gaza, as claimed by the militias. Instead, these actions form part of a broader strategy to dismantle Yemen and crush the hopes and aspirations of its citizens. The Houthis aim to impose the Iranian regime’s agenda, transforming Yemen into a platform for threats against regional and global security.

Call for Genuine Commitment to Peace

The statement stressed that achieving comprehensive peace in Yemen requires a genuine commitment from the Houthis to engage positively and in good faith with regional and international efforts. The government urged the militias to abandon the path of war and prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people over those of their leaders and Iranian sponsors.

Urging the Security Council to Act

The Yemeni government called on the Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities by implementing relevant resolutions and taking practical measures to create a conducive environment for a political process that aligns with the aspirations of the Yemeni people. The government remains committed to cooperating positively with all regional and international efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement based on agreed-upon references, including the Gulf Initiative, its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216.

International Inaction and Houthi Violations

The government noted that the continued escalation by the Houthis stems from a lack of international will to address their behaviors. The militias have persistently committed heinous violations against the Yemeni population and undermined the Stockholm Agreement, which allowed them to seize control of the city of Hodeidah and its ports. They have transformed these areas into bases for launching ballistic missiles and drones, threatening regional and international security.

Concerns for Hostages and Human Rights Violations

While expressing gratitude for the UN’s efforts to secure the release of UN agency employees and international staff held by the Houthis for over six months, the government criticized the reliance on repeated calls and meetings with militia leaders, some of whom are on terrorism lists. This situation has emboldened the Houthis to continue their violations and disregard calls for the release of hostages, showcasing the UN’s inability to exert real pressure to protect its personnel.

Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

The Houthis continue to commit crimes and violations against Yemenis since their coup, blatantly violating international humanitarian law and human rights. The destruction and chaos have permeated every corner of Yemen, leaving citizens in dire humanitarian and economic conditions. The militias have robbed Yemenis of their lives, security, and future, perpetuating wars and crises, fostering division, and targeting civilian areas, resulting in numerous casualties, particularly among women and children.

Recent Attacks and Civilian Casualties

Following a recent attack on a popular market in Taiz, Houthi forces shelled civilian homes in the Al-Boumiya village, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to two others from the same family. Additionally, the Houthis have besieged and targeted villages in Qifa Rad’a, leading to numerous civilian casualties, including women and children. These actions have involved the use of drones, artillery, and tanks, causing widespread destruction and instilling fear among residents while obstructing humanitarian aid.

Human Rights Abuses and Child Recruitment

The government condemned the Houthis for committing abductions, enforced disappearances, and detentions targeting politicians, academics, activists, and journalists based on their political, human rights, and media activities. The militias have perpetrated severe violations against Yemeni women, including abductions from their homes and workplaces, leading to violence and extortion. Moreover, they have exploited children by recruiting them into military camps and turning schools into training grounds for armed conflict.

Urgent Call for International Support

The Yemeni government acknowledged the significant efforts of the Presidential Leadership Council to address various challenges and support humanitarian needs. It urged friendly nations and international donor organizations to provide urgent assistance to address current priorities, including economic recovery and the challenges posed by the ongoing Houthi escalation.

Appreciation for International Support

In the statement, the government expressed profound gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its recent economic support of $500 million, including a $300 million deposit for the Central Bank of Yemen. This support will help meet urgent state needs, including employee salaries. The government also praised the United Kingdom for organizing a high-level ministerial meeting with the Yemeni government at the UN, aimed at mobilizing economic and political support for institutional reform and addressing current economic challenges.

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