In Cairo on September 26, Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Council Rashad Al-Alimi called on the international community to do more to prevent attacks by Houthi forces on international shipping routes through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of Yemen's independence, Mr. Al-Alimi urged world leaders to support Yemen with a "collective approach" to protect the entire territory of this Middle Eastern country. Mr. Al-Alimi stated that his government is "committed to a comprehensive peace", but noted that this can only be achieved if international resolutions banning the transfer of weapons to the Houthis and depleting their funding are implemented.
The Houthis have seized large swaths of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, causing severe damage to the country's economy. Houthi attacks on oil infrastructure have deprived Yemen of vital revenue, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Since November, the Houthis have relentlessly attacked commercial and military vessels passing through the Red Sea, claiming the offensive is in support of Palestinians in their conflict with Israel in Gaza.