[05/11/2026 01:19]

BERLIN-SABA

Yemen’s Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba has warned that the Iran-backed Houthi militias are pursuing a cross-border destabilization project that threatens international maritime security and worsens civilian suffering in Yemen.

She made the remarks on Thursday during a roundtable organized by the International Peace Operations Center at Germany’s Foreign Ministry in Berlin, attended by diplomats, parliamentarians, experts and others interested in Yemeni and Middle Eastern affairs.

Al-Zouba briefed participants on developments in Yemen, the impact of Houthi escalation on civilians in several governorates, and the siege imposed on Taiz. She said the Houthis’ continued escalation for more than a month had worsened the suffering of the city’s residents, adding that the militia was using the siege as a means of collective punishment against civilians.

She also highlighted violations committed by the Houthis against UN employees and humanitarian workers, including their abduction and harsh treatment in detention.

Al-Zouba referred to the death of UN employee Mohammed al-Shami after more than two years in Houthi captivity. She said the militia had refused to hand over his body to his family or allow a medical examination to determine the cause of death. She also expressed the government's deep concern over the fate of other detainees held by the militia.

The foreign minister called on participants to convey the situation in Yemen to their respective governments and work to mobilize support for the legitimate government in addressing the humanitarian and security consequences of Houthi escalation.

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