Yemeni prime minister urges global action to end Taiz siege

Yemeni Prime Minister Shuaib Al-Zindani has called on the international community to pressure the Houthi militia to end the siege of Taiz and open roads for civilians and humanitarian aid, warning that targeting vital facilities in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, as well as continued shelling of residential areas, reflect an escalating approach that threatens regional security. His remarks came as the European Commission announced an additional $25.17 million in humanitarian aid for Yemen.

Al-Zindani made these statements during a phone conversation with the head of the European Union delegation to Yemen, Patrick Simonié, in which they discussed the Houthi military escalation, the ongoing blockade of Taiz, the new European aid package, and continued EU support for the Yemeni government.

The prime minister stressed that targeting vital infrastructure and civilians, and depriving Taiz residents of basic needs, cannot be separated from the Houthis’ ongoing efforts to undermine state institutions and impose their rule by force.

Al-Zindani reiterated his call for the international community to fulfill its responsibilities regarding violations against civilians and displaced persons, and to push for an end to the Taiz siege and the opening of routes for civilian movement and humanitarian supplies.

He welcomed the European Commission’s announcement of an additional $25.17 million (equivalent to €22.5 million) in humanitarian aid for Yemen, praising the EU’s supportive stance toward his government.

Al-Zindani emphasized the importance of continued European support and developing the partnership with the EU to strengthen the state’s ability to address current challenges.

For his part, Patrick Simonié, head of the EU delegation to Yemen, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the Yemeni government and backing its efforts during this period.

Al-Zindani said his government remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities and enhancing the readiness of state institutions to protect citizens and vital facilities and ensure the continuity of services.

He added that these efforts align with the objectives of the “Fajr Yemen” operation, which aims to restore full government control over Yemeni territory and end the Houthi coup.

According to Yemen’s official news agency, the talks covered military developments, the ongoing siege of Taiz, new European humanitarian aid, and cooperation between the Yemeni government and the European Union.