Yemen’s Government Appeals for UN Support Against Houthi Threats
Rashad Mohammed Al Alimi, head of Yemen’s recognized government, called on the United Nations during his address to the General Assembly on Wednesday to assist in combating Iranian influence and the Houthi movement’s threats. Yemen has been engulfed in a civil war since 2014 when Houthi forces, backed by Iran, took control of the capital, Sanaa, and overthrew the legitimate government. Since then, the Houthis have maintained their stronghold in Sanaa, while Alimi’s government operates from the southern port city of Aden, struggling to regain control.
During his speech, Alimi noted that this once fragmented group has evolved into an international security threat, largely due to a lack of decisive action regarding the ongoing civil conflict. He emphasized that the Houthis are not a standalone entity; they receive substantial support from Iran, recognized as a leading sponsor of terrorism worldwide.
“It’s crucial that we address the ongoing struggle of the Yemeni people against these violent terrorist groups,” Alimi stated. His plea for international support raised important questions about the UN’s commitment to Yemen’s situation.
He posed queries regarding the implications of Iran’s expansionist strategies on Yemen, highlighting the troubling reality of hunger and religious manipulation in the conflict. “Is Yemen destined to become a perilous hotspot for global terrorism?” he asked, asserting that the crisis is a litmus test for the effectiveness of international organizations.
Alimi warned that the Houthi militia should no longer be seen merely as a domestic issue. He described them as an international terrorist organization equipped with advanced weaponry from Iran, including missiles, drones, and other sophisticated arms. He suggested that the Houthis are part of a broader strategy designed to extend Iran’s reach in the region.
“This is a sectarian organization that rejects international legitimacy,” he asserted. “The peace we desire cannot merely be wished for; it must instead be enforced.” Alimi expressed frustration that he has been raising these alarms for years, and warned that the world’s indifference was only increasing the peril posed by terrorist groups.
Reflecting on his previous warnings, Alimi pointed out that as years pass without a firm stance on Yemen, the dangers posed by militias escalate, becoming more far-reaching. His comments gained additional weight given the context of recent U.S. policy changes under the Biden administration, which had removed the Houthis from the list of foreign terrorist organizations, effectively easing their fundraising capabilities.
The day after Alimi’s address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke at the same assembly, attempting to redirect attention toward alleged attacks against the Houthis, framing them as unjustifiable. “The past two years have seen serious violations of sovereignty in Lebanon,” Pezeshkian claimed, aiming to illustrate supposed threats from Yemeni and Israeli forces.
