In an interview with Unipath Magazine, Major General Mohammed Zayed Ibrahim, Yemen's military attaché in Washington, discussed the ongoing Red Sea conflict's impact at the Manama Dialogue in November 2023. He emphasized that the crisis extends across the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and Yemen, exacerbating illegal migration, arms smuggling, and terrorism by groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Ibrahim underscored the Red Sea's historical and geopolitical importance, surrounded by seven Arabic-speaking countries, including Yemen. He stressed the need for international policy to govern this strategic waterway.

The Iran-backed Houthis have increased maritime risks since seizing Yemen's western coast, particularly the port of Hodeidah. Iran supports the Houthis with bomb-laden boats, sea mines, and drones, transforming the Red Sea into a conflict zone and threatening the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
U.S. forces have intercepted several weapons shipments to the Houthis. Ibrahim called for halting military support to the group to prevent a regional war and alleviate Yemeni suffering.
The Yemeni population faces severe hardship, with high unemployment, scarce job opportunities, and increasing costs of essential goods. The International Network of Food Safety Authorities (INFOSAN) predicts worsening hunger in Houthi-controlled areas due to halted UN food aid.