Published on: 2026-09-24
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 24, 2026 UN
The use of maritime security by the Houthis as a tool of blackmail threatens not only Yemen, said the country’s Vice President Abdullah Abdulqader al-Alimi-Bawazir during the general political debates of the UN General Assembly. “They are holding the entire global economy hostage,” he said.
“The events of recent years have clearly confirmed a truth that the international community must not ignore: ensuring security at sea begins with eliminating the source of the threat on land,” Al-Alimi-Bawzer added.
It is impossible to ensure long-term safety of navigation in the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden while non-state armed groups operate on the coast, emphasized the vice president.
“Ensuring the security of this strategically important maritime artery is a shared responsibility of both regional and international actors. Yemen cannot handle this task alone. It is the responsibility of every economy dependent on the reliability of supply chains, energy security, and freedom of navigation,” he said.
The international community must show determination
Support from Iran is “not the only factor exacerbating the threat posed by the Houthi terrorist formations.” The Vice President also pointed to the “lack of an effective and decisive stance from the international community.”
The coalition to restore legitimate authority in Yemen, led by Saudi Arabia, played a key role in reducing threats posed by this group, thereby contributing to regional and international security and stability, stated Abdullah Abdulqader Al-Alimi-Bawazer.
“We believe that the firm approach chosen by the US administration towards the Houthi formations has disrupted their calculations. The government of Yemen highly appreciates that President Trump clearly understands that the only language this terrorist group understands is the language of resolve,” he said.
UN personnel held by Houthis
The Vice President of Yemen condemned the Houthis for detaining UN staff and humanitarian workers. Some of them have been in custody for many years.
“Those who work for peace and humanitarian aid must not under any circumstances become hostages to blackmail,” he said.
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