[16/09/2026 06:11]

VIENNA-SABA

The Republic of Yemen has warned of the growing dangers posed by the continued military escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias, stressing that the escalation is no longer an internal Yemeni matter or a crisis that can be contained within Yemen’s borders, but an expanding threat to regional security, freedom of navigation, global energy supplies and international trade.

In Yemen’s statement to the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Yemen’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the Agency Haytham Shoja'aadin called on the international community and international partners to prevent the use of Bab al-Mandab, Yemen’s coasts and islands as platforms for threatening neighboring countries, maritime navigation, trade and global energy supplies.

He urged support for the Yemeni government in protecting its sovereignty and territorial waters, and called for an end to the flow of weapons, technology and military expertise from the Iranian regime to the Houthi militias.

Shoja'aadin stressed that Yemen’s efforts to protect Bab al-Mandab are not aimed solely at safeguarding its national security, but also contribute to protecting a vital international waterway on which global supply chains, energy flows and trade depend.

He said Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, continued threats to shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, and the use of Yemeni territory, ports and coastlines for military purposes constitute parts of a single threat network linked to Iranian support.

He also warned of the risks posed by the simultaneous pressure on Bab al-Mandab and threats to maritime traffic and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

The ambassador further warned that the threat across the Red Sea could expand amid growing cooperation between the Houthi militias and the terrorist al-Shabaab movement in Somalia, including the transfer of weapons, training and operational support.

Shoja'aadin renewed Yemen’s condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the group’s latest attempt to target Makkah, describing threats against Islam’s holiest site as a provocation to Muslims around the world.

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