The internationally recognized Yemeni government today held the Iran-backed Houthi group "fully responsible" for the economic, environmental, and humanitarian consequences of their ongoing attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

In a statement published by the official Saba news agency, the Yemeni government asserted that targeting commercial vessels exacerbates suffering, impedes the delivery of humanitarian aid, and obstructs the flow of essential goods desperately needed by millions across the region.

The government reiterated its strong condemnation of the "continuous terrorist attacks" carried out by the Houthi group, acting "on behalf of the Iranian regime and its destructive project in the region." It stressed that these attacks pose a grave threat to maritime security and warn of "devastating environmental catastrophes."

The statement further highlighted that these attacks "once again expose the rogue nature and approach of the Houthi group, which prioritizes the interests of its supporters over the interests of the Yemeni people and the sovereignty and integrity of its territories," turning Yemen into "a platform for threatening international peace and security and global energy supplies."

The Yemeni government called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council and the United Nations, to take firm measures against this "hostile behavior." This includes classifying the Houthis as a terrorist organization, ceasing all political incentives to the group, and deterring Iranian interventions that destabilize Yemen and the broader region.

The government reaffirmed its "commitment to a just and comprehensive peace in accordance with national, regional, and international references." It emphasized that the success of any efforts to end the "Houthi terrorist threat" hinges on supporting the legitimate Yemeni government, a UN member, and its armed forces to restore state institutions and extend its sovereignty over all national territory.
This condemnation follows an incident last Sunday where the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a commercial vessel, 51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, came under fire from multiple small boats using light weapons and projectiles. UKMTO later confirmed, based on information from the company's security officer, that the damaged vessel was taking on water and all crew members had abandoned ship. The leak was attributed to a fire that erupted after the vessel was hit by "unknown projectiles," causing extensive damage.