عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Interviews

Yemeni FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Houthis Exploit Red Sea Security for Propaganda Purposes

Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak (Saba News Agency)
TT
TT

Yemeni FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Houthis Exploit Red Sea Security for Propaganda Purposes

Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak (Saba News Agency)

Yemen’s Houthis are exploiting the security of the Red Sea for internal propaganda purposes, warned Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak, emphasizing that the group’s actions have no connection to supporting Palestinians.

Mubarak, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, reaffirmed the Yemeni government’s commitment to continue engaging in Saudi-led peace efforts.

Despite Houthi mobilization and escalation on all fronts, he stated that the government remains committed to de-escalation and ceasefire.

A French frigate recently shot down two drones over the Red Sea that were believed to be approaching from the coast of Yemen.

“The interception and destruction of these two identified threats” were carried out late on Saturday by the frigate Languedoc, which operates in the Red Sea, the French military said in a press release on Sunday.

With this development, Paris joins US and British forces in attempting to counter Houthi threats without engaging in open confrontation with the group.

On his part, Mubarak underscored the condemnation by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) of the Houthi militias’ use of the Red Sea security for the sake of domestic media propaganda.

He clarified that the reality of these actions has no connection to supporting Palestinians.

Simultaneously, the top Yemeni diplomat expressed the solidarity of the Yemeni government and people with the Palestinian cause, condemning the brutal Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank.

Mubarak called for an immediate ceasefire and punishment of the Israeli occupation for the crimes, violations, and atrocities committed in Palestine.

The US accuses Iran of fully backing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden—a stance deemed “unacceptable” by the US State Department.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan asserted that there is every reason to believe that despite the Houthi involvement, these attacks were fully enabled by Iran.

Observers note that the Houthis, seizing on the Gaza conflict, exploit it as an opportunity to divert attention from its internal crises, disrupt peace efforts, and attempt to whitewash its crimes against Yemenis.

The group has recently escalated its threats, extending beyond Israeli-linked vessels to target international ships in the Red and Arabian Seas. This move marks a shift from previous warnings limited to ships with ties to Israel.

A spokesperson for the US State Department recently told Asharq Al-Awsat that the ongoing Houthi militant attacks on commercial ships in the southern Red Sea flagrantly violate international law and pose a significant threat to global trade, as well as regional stability.

Addressing peace efforts and their latest developments, Mubarak clarified that the Yemeni government’s peace vision centers on addressing the core of the conflict, not just its aftermath.

The minister emphasized commitment to the three agreed-upon references: the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 2216.

Regarding his recent meeting with US Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking, Mubarak noted that they reviewed “developments related to the political process aimed at ending the war and bringing peace to Yemen.”

The minister also reiterated support for the efforts of the PLC and the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, as well as the initiatives led by Lenderking.

“The Yemeni government is fully engaged in peace efforts, committed to de-escalation and ceasefire, despite the mobilization and escalation led by the Houthi militia on all fronts of the conflict,” said Mubarak.

When asked about developments in Lenderking’s recent visit to the region, Mubarak confirmed discussions zeroed on Yemen’s situation and the latest developments in Saudi mediation efforts, emphasizing a commitment to a genuine political process for lasting, comprehensive peace based on national, regional, and international references.

“The US envoy affirmed the welcoming and supportive stance of the US administration towards the efforts of Saudi Arabia in achieving a lasting peace agreement in Yemen,” clarified Mubarak.

He underscored the importance of leveraging available opportunities to advance conflict resolution, prevent a return to hostilities, and mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Discussions also centered on US efforts and coordination with nations supporting the principle of free navigation for secure global shipping.

Mubarak emphasized the need to ensure the flow of goods and international trade in the Red Sea.

Recently, Washington imposed sanctions on 13 individuals and entities responsible for facilitating the transfer of tens of millions of dollars from the sale of Iranian goods to support Houthi terrorist militias, aided by Iran’s Quds Force, the foreign arm of the Revolutionary Guard.

Most Viewed

 
 
Interviews

UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.