On December 18, 2024, the United States announced upcoming operations in coordination with Yemen's Coast Guard, ramping up efforts to disrupt supplies heading to Houthi rebels. This move comes as Washington seeks to rally international support against the Iranian-backed group, which is classified as a terrorist organization.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the announcement, as reported by Voice of America. She emphasized the recent launch of a maritime security partnership in Yemen, stating, “We will work with the Yemeni Coast Guard to control illicit activities along the country’s coastline.”

Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the international community's commitment to safeguarding navigation rights and freedoms, asserting that the U.S. supports efforts to mitigate the inflow of arms into Yemen. This includes enhancing the UN's inspection mechanism to scrutinize vessels heading to ports controlled by the Houthis.

She noted the unprecedented rate of threats to maritime security and multiple violations of UN Security Council resolutions, insisting, “This must stop.”

U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, also commented on the situation, revealing ongoing efforts to garner international backing for the UN's campaign to disrupt Houthi supply lines. He stated that the UN inspection mechanism lacks the mandate to conduct interception operations, and discussions are underway to change this authorization.

“We must all close the gaps, which requires a different mindset and focus rather than just escorting ships,” Lenderking explained. He highlighted that the number of commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea has halved over the past year due to Houthi assaults.

Last week, Lenderking visited the UN verification and inspection mission in Djibouti, which inspects ships arriving at Houthi-controlled ports to intercept arms shipments. Despite a UN arms embargo, the verification mechanism, established in 2016, has limited means to intercept vessels.

Since the start of 2024, a U.S.-led coalition has conducted strikes targeting Houthi positions across Yemen in response to the group’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.