Yemen's Presidential Leader Urges UN to Designate Houthis as Terrorist Group

Yemen's President Rashad al-Alimi has urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to push for the Houthi militia to be designated as a terrorist group through the Security Council, the news agency of Yemen's internationally recognised government Saba (Government) reported.

In a phone call, al-Alimi briefed Guterres on the Houthis' ongoing attacks, including missile and drone strikes, and assaults on civilian areas. He also highlighted the continued siege of Taiz, the detention of over 70 UN employees, and the abduction of thousands of Yemeni citizens.

Al-Alimi emphasized the need for the international community to move beyond mere condemnation and take concrete actions, such as enforcing the arms embargo, cutting off funding and weapons supplies, and holding Houthi supporters accountable. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to a just and lasting peace based on international resolutions and Yemen's sovereignty.

Guterres strongly condemned the Houthi attacks and denounced the detention of UN personnel, reaffirming the UN's commitment to providing stronger support to the Yemeni government.

The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, with the Houthi militia controlling large parts of the country. The Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, has been fighting to regain control.

The designation of the Houthis as a terrorist group could have significant implications for the conflict, potentially limiting the group's access to funding and resources.