A senior official from Yemen has raised concerns about the Houthi militia’s manipulation of maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, describing it as a significant threat to both Yemen and the global economy. During a recent session of the United Nations General Assembly, he emphasized that true maritime security in these crucial waterways cannot be achieved as long as an armed group operates independently of state authority.
The official cautioned the international community against being misled by what he termed “false promises” from the Houthis. He warned that relying on temporary assurances instead of establishing sustainable maritime security would be a grave error. The militia has taken advantage of the lack of a strong international response to enhance its military capabilities, thereby undermining efforts to restore stability in Yemen and protect vital maritime routes.
He highlighted that the Yemeni government has engaged positively with various regional and international peace initiatives, making significant concessions to alleviate the suffering of its people. In contrast, the Houthi militia has shown a refusal to compromise, using ceasefire periods to strengthen its military position while neglecting the needs of the Yemeni population.
