Yemeni Government Labels Houthi Attacks as Terrorism

The Yemeni government, which is internationally recognised, has affirmed it will not allow its territory to be used as a base to threaten neighbouring countries or the security of international shipping. The statement was issued on Saturday following condemnation of the latest Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea. The government described the attack as a ‘new act of terrorism’ demonstrating the Houthis’ determination to thwart regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions affecting humanitarian, economic, and security conditions. According to the government, the Houthi actions also risk dragging Yemen into a wider conflict. The Yemeni government assessed that the military response by the Saudi-led coalition was conducted within the framework of combating terrorism. It stated the operation also aims to protect international shipping and secure maritime routes in accordance with international law and the principles of necessity and proportionality. The government further accused the Houthis of exploiting the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait to support Iran’s regional agenda, aiming to strengthen Tehran’s position in negotiations. It warned that Houthi actions threaten Yemen’s national interests. The government stated it will continue to coordinate with the Saudi-led coalition and regional and international partners to protect civilians, preserve Yemen’s sovereignty, secure international shipping, and ensure Yemeni ports remain operational. ‘The Yemeni government will not allow its territory to continue being used as a base to threaten neighbouring countries and international maritime security,’ the statement read. The government also called on the international community to cut off funding sources and arms supplies to the group and to hold its backers accountable. Earlier on Friday evening, the Saudi-led coalition announced it had launched strikes against Houthi military targets in Hodeidah province. The strikes followed Houthi targeting of commercial ships in the Red Sea. The coalition stressed that the port of Hodeidah was not targeted and that all Yemeni ports remain open for shipping. Meanwhile, the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of launching air strikes on Kamaran Island and telecommunications facilities in Hodeidah. Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis escalated after the group threatened to ban ships linked to Saudi Arabia from transiting the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. On Monday, the Houthis announced a navigation ban towards Saudi Arabia, which the Saudi-led coalition responded to by pledging a ‘firm and strong’ response and increased protection for ships transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.