Iran-backed Houthis are pursuing an operation that extends beyond Yemen’s borders and poses a threat to international maritime navigation, Yemen’s Foreign Minister Afrah Abdulaziz al-Zuba has warned.

She made the remarks at a roundtable discussion organised by Germany’s Foreign Ministry in Berlin on Thursday, November 5. Following the meeting, the ministry published her comments on its X (formerly Twitter) account.

Al-Zuba said, “The Iran-backed terrorist Houthi militias are pursuing a destructive and expansionist agenda. This threatens international maritime navigation and increases the suffering of civilians in Yemen.”

She also highlighted the situation in the city of Taiz, claiming that the Houthis had tightened their siege over the past month, making life increasingly difficult for residents. She described the blockade as a form of collective punishment.

The Yemeni foreign minister also accused the Houthis of abducting staff members of the United Nations and humanitarian aid organisations. She alleged that they were being mistreated while in detention.

Al-Zuba urged participants at the meeting to inform their respective governments about the situation in Yemen and called for international support for the country’s internationally recognised government.

The Houthis have not yet commented on the allegations. The claims of blockade, abduction and mistreatment could not be independently verified, according to the report.

Source: Iran International