Yemeni leader urges UN support to designate Houthis as terrorist group

Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi has called on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to support international action, through the Security Council, to designate the Houthi militia as a terrorist organization. He also urged enforcement of the arms embargo, cutting off funding and weapons supplies, and holding supporters and those responsible for violations accountable.

Al-Alimi made the request during a phone call to discuss national developments in light of the recent escalation by the Houthis. He briefed Guterres on the latest Houthi terrorist activities, including missile and drone attacks targeting state institutions and civilian infrastructure, as well as expanded assaults on cities and villages. The conversation also covered the ongoing siege of Taiz and shelling of residential neighborhoods, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, including civilians and children forced into combat.

The Yemeni leader noted that his government has acted responsibly with initiatives and agreements aimed at ending the war, while the Houthis have responded with escalation. He said the militia exploited truces and political efforts to regroup and continue violations, including the ongoing detention of more than 70 UN employees and the abduction of thousands of innocent civilians. Al-Alimi stressed that the current phase requires the international community to move from condemnation to full implementation of international legitimacy resolutions. He emphasized the need to end the Houthi threat, lift sieges on cities, and open safe passages for civilians and humanitarian aid. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a just and lasting peace based on international resolutions, respect for Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and restoration of national institutions.

For his part, the UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the Houthi attacks inside Yemen and across borders, expressing his rejection of the continued detention of UN staff, public employees, and all violations of international law. Guterres also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to providing stronger support to the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia in facing all threats.