Yemeni ministry warns of environmental risks from Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping

Yemen’s Ministry of Water and Environment has warned of severe environmental risks to marine life as a result of continued attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on ships in the Red Sea.

Minister of Water and Environment Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi told the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) that the escalation of maritime attacks not only disrupts navigation, increases transport and insurance costs, and raises prices of goods and energy, but also heightens the risk of marine pollution, including the potential leakage of pollutants and hazardous materials into the sea. This, he said, would negatively impact fish stocks and biodiversity in the region.

The minister added that the Red Sea is among the world’s most sensitive marine environments, quickly affected by any pollution or disturbance. He warned that maritime incidents or attacks on vessels could threaten coral reefs and marine species, undermine the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal communities, and have repercussions for food security and the national economy.

Al-Sharjabi stressed that protecting maritime routes and the marine environment is a shared responsibility, calling on the international community to take firm action to halt all forms of Houthi escalation, ensure the safety of international navigation, and safeguard the Red Sea from pollution and potential environmental disasters.

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