Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Abd al-Aziz al-Zuba on Sunday emphasized that protecting international navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait requires supporting the Yemeni government's efforts to restore state institutions and enforce an arms embargo on the Houthi group. She cited Iranian interventions and support for armed groups as factors exacerbating conflicts and undermining regional stability.
Al-Zuba made these remarks during her meeting with British and Turkish officials on the sidelines of the 2026 Manama Dialogue. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, developments in Yemen, and ways to enhance British and international support for the Yemeni government and its institutions. The Yemeni minister highlighted the need for a specialized technical investigation into reports of suspected toxic substance-laden projectiles in some fronts of Taiz governorate.
The Yemeni Foreign Minister reviewed the latest developments in the country's security and humanitarian situations. She pointed to the ongoing siege imposed by the Houthi group on Taiz city, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis and deteriorated basic services. Al-Zuba also condemned Houthi escalation, targeting of civilian facilities, child recruitment, and violations against detained UN and international organization employees.
Al-Zuba drew attention to the case of a UN employee, Mohammed al-Shami, who died in Houthi detention after over two years of captivity. She also reported the death of a staff member from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights within Houthi prisons. The minister demanded the release of detainees and accountability for those responsible for the violations.
Despite current challenges, al-Zuba asserted that the Yemeni government remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities. She stressed the importance of bolstering international support for state institutions, enabling them to restore stability and improve the humanitarian situation.
The Yemeni minister and Turkish officials also discussed follow-up on joint understandings, including support for the health sector. This built on her recent visit to Turkey to enhance bilateral cooperation. They exchanged views on regional developments and the implications of Iranian interventions for regional security and stability.
Key issues discussed included the Houthi group's continued obstruction of navigation and the flow of humanitarian aid. Al-Zuba's call for international cooperation to address these challenges underscored the complexities of the Yemen crisis and the need for a comprehensive approach to achieve peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- The Yemeni government seeks international support to restore state institutions and enforce an arms embargo on the Houthi group.
- Iranian interventions and support for armed groups have exacerbated conflicts and undermined regional stability.
- The Houthi group's siege of Taiz city has worsened the humanitarian crisis and deteriorated basic services.
