The United States has urged the international community to join forces with regional partners to dismantle the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Ambassador Dorothy Shea made this call during a Security Council briefing on Thursday.

Ambassador Shea underscored the threat the Houthis, backed by Iran, pose to international peace and security, citing their attacks on civilian infrastructure and maritime targets.  She called on member states to pressure Iran to cease its arming and funding of the Houthis.

Shea also condemned the death of a World Food Programme employee in Houthi custody and demanded an independent investigation. She reiterated calls for the immediate release of all detained UN and NGO staff.
Furthermore, Shea stressed the need to strengthen the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism to prevent arms smuggling to the Houthis, calling for increased funding and support for the mechanism.