Yemen urges OIC to designate Houthis as terrorist group

Yemen has urged member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to classify the Houthi militia as a terrorist group, in order to curtail its access to funding, weapons, and military expertise. During the 52nd Council of Foreign Ministers session in Baghdad, Yemen's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, made this demand in a speech.

She emphasized that the escalating threats in the region demand unified action and practical steps to safeguard member states' security and stability. Al-Zouba highlighted the Houthi militia's targeting of key Yemeni institutions and the sieges imposed on Taiz and Marib, which underscore the group's criminal nature. She affirmed that the Yemeni government, committed to peace for a decade, will not condone peace being used as cover for a coup and illicit arms supply.

She stressed that a just and lasting peace hinges on respect for Yemen's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 2216. Al-Zouba condemned Iran's role in arming and supporting the Houthi militia, which has prolonged the conflict and turned Yemen into a threat to regional security. She condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi cities and attempts to target Makkah and Madinah, warning that such acts are unacceptable and cannot be justified.

The Yemeni foreign minister reaffirmed Yemen's longstanding support for Palestine and criticized the Houthi militia for exploiting Palestinian slogans to cover its own crimes.