Yemen warns Bab Al Mandeb is at risk of becoming a ‘blackmail card’

Yemen's UN envoy has expressed concern that the Bab Al Mandeb strait could become a "blackmail card" in the hands of a "transnational terrorist" group, urging the international community to share responsibility for securing the strategic waterway. The Houthis, who control the area around the strait, have been fighting Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces since the civil war reignited in July.

The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting at Greece's request, with participation from Greece, Bahrain, Britain, France, Latvia, and Denmark. The Yemeni envoy emphasized that while the strait is within Yemen's territory, its security has global implications, as every ship passing through it and every shipment depend on its safety.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia and attacked Saudi-linked ships in the Red Sea, gaining control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline and the Bab Al Mandeb strait. Britain's deputy UN ambassador warned that Iran's ongoing support for the Houthis enables attacks threatening civilians, maritime security, and peace prospects, calling for all member states to fully implement their obligations, including preventing the transfer of arms and military support to the Houthis.

Pakistan's UN ambassador highlighted the growing threat of Houthi attacks spilling beyond national borders and damaging international shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb strait.