Leadership Council's Al-Alimi Urges US Lawmaker to Support Government Capabilities Against Houthis

On Monday, Presidential Leadership Council member Abdullah Al-Alimi discussed with the ranking Democrat on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Gregory Meeks, the developing situation in Yemen and the region, and the threats posed by the Houthi group to the security of the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and international shipping.

The official Saba News Agency reported that the meeting addressed the relations between Yemen and the United States and ways to enhance cooperation in facing common challenges.

Al-Alimi reviewed the field and political developments in Yemen, the continuous escalation by the Iran-backed Houthis, and the resulting threat to the security and stability of Yemen and the region, as well as to the security of the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and international trade and navigation.

Al-Alimi stated that the Houthi threat is no longer an internal Yemeni affair, considering that the support, armament, and expertise the group receives from Iran have turned this threat into a danger that extends beyond Yemen's borders, affecting regional and international interests.

He called for more effective international action to address the root of the threat and support Yemeni state institutions, noting that continued Iranian support for the Houthis, providing them with military capabilities and advanced technologies, contributes to prolonging the war and undermining peace and stability prospects.

Al-Alimi emphasized that securing the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab is linked to restoring state institutions and strengthening their military and security capabilities, urging the international community to support the Yemeni government in protecting its territory, territorial waters, and ports, and securing maritime corridors.

He also stressed the importance of continued U.S. support for the Yemeni government, enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism and smuggling, drying up Houthi financing and armament networks, and supporting the capabilities of the armed forces, security agencies, and coast guard.

The meeting also addressed the economic and humanitarian situation in Yemen. Al-Alimi said that the continuation of the war and Houthi escalation exacerbates the suffering of Yemenis and hampers the government's efforts in economic reform, improving services, and recovery, stressing the importance of continued international support for the government and state institutions.

Al-Alimi also touched on the role of the Yemeni community in the United States and its contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.

For his part, Representative Gregory Meeks said that he is following the developments in Yemen with concern, emphasizing the importance of supporting the Yemeni government and strengthening the capabilities of state institutions to contribute to achieving security and stability.