Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government, had not commented on the reported strikes at the time of the report
By Njoku Vincent
Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries have called on Iran to end its military support for the Houthi movement in Yemen, warning that the group’s escalating attacks pose a threat to regional stability and global energy security.
In a joint statement issued after a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the ministers from the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States condemned what they described as Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.
“We call on the Houthis to immediately cease all military actions, all threats and attacks against civilian shipping, and to return to the political process in good faith,” the ministers said.
The G7 also called on Iran to “end its arming of and support” for the Houthis, saying the group’s activities represented a dangerous pattern of escalation that could further destabilise Yemen, disrupt international trade and contribute to global economic uncertainty.
The ministers reaffirmed their support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and pledged to uphold the country’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The statement came amid renewed fighting along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s key maritime chokepoints linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean.
The recent escalation has reportedly displaced more than 120,000 Yemenis, according to the United Nations.
At least six people were also reported killed in Saudi air strikes on the strategic Yemeni port city of Mokha, according to AFP, citing Houthi-affiliated media. The report said two children and a woman were among those killed, while eight other people were injured.
Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government, had not commented on the reported strikes at the time of the report.
The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have in recent weeks expanded their presence along the Red Sea coast. Saudi Arabia has responded with air strikes, while the Houthis have launched drones and missiles towards targets in south-western Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh.
The deteriorating security situation has also prompted requests for additional international military assistance.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain would provide defensive air-to-air refuelling support to Saudi Arabia using a Voyager aircraft stationed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. He said the decision followed a Saudi request for military assistance and was made after consultations with Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
A French diplomatic source also told AFP that France had pledged support and was prepared to assist in protecting Saudi energy infrastructure through what it described as a strictly defensive approach.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly also sought military support from US President Donald Trump.
Trump has been weighing whether to respond to the Saudi request for assistance as the conflict involving the Houthis and Iran-backed forces continues to intensify.
The developments come ahead of addresses by senior Iranian officials at the UN General Assembly, where the escalating conflict in Yemen and its wider implications for regional security and international trade are expected to remain key issues.