The Yemeni Ambassador to Jordan, Jalal Faqira, on Thursday, July 18, 2024, accused the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, of exploiting the ongoing events in the Palestinian Gaza Strip for political gain and to undermine the realities of the Yemeni situation and peace requirements.

Faqira made these remarks during a seminar organized by the Arab Thought Forum in the Jordanian capital, Amman, titled "Red Sea Security," according to the official Yemeni news agency Saba.

The ambassador highlighted the strategic significance of the Red Sea due to its unique geographical location and its strategic and security implications, particularly for Yemen's position between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

He addressed the threats to Red Sea security, including the Israeli threat and the Iranian threat, which has become increasingly evident through the close ties between Iran and the Houthi terrorist militia. He also discussed the security arrangements undertaken by Yemeni governments to ensure the safety of international navigation in the Red Sea.

The Yemeni ambassador reviewed the current developments, the Houthi military operations, and their threat to international navigation in the Red Sea. He emphasized the direct and indirect impact of the Houthi terrorist militia's attacks on the Red Sea on the global economy, the Yemeni economy, the economies of Arab countries bordering the Red Sea, and the marine environment.

Faqira outlined the necessary policies to enhance Red Sea security, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the Yemeni government's military capabilities, empowering it to build peace, and enforcing security and stability. He also stressed the need to support national capabilities, increase regional coordination among Red Sea littoral states, establish regional arrangements, and strengthen international cooperation to contain the Houthi threat to the safety of international navigation.

Since last November, the internationally designated terrorist group, the Houthis, has continued its attacks using missiles and drones against commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.

To deter the Houthis and protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. US forces have been carrying out strikes against Houthi military targets on an intermittent basis.

Since January 12, the US and UK have conducted approximately 560 airstrikes against the Houthis, resulting in the deaths of 58 individuals and injuries to 86 others, according to the group's own admission.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government maintains that Western airstrikes are ineffective in neutralizing the Houthi threat to navigation and that the most effective solution is to support its armed forces in retaking Hodeidah, its ports, and other areas under Houthi control.