Pakistan Calls for Immediate End to Houthi Attacks on Merchant Ships
WASHINGTON: Pakistan has called for an immediate halt to Houthi attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning that continued incidents could pose serious risks to maritime security and regional stability.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, urged the Houthi movement to stop what he described as provocative actions in the strategically important waterway.
Pakistan warned that further attacks could have serious consequences for maritime security as well as peace and stability across the region.
The Security Council meeting was convened by Bahrain and marked the council’s second discussion in two days on the worsening security situation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told council members that conditions in and around the strategic passage had become increasingly volatile.
The developments come amid renewed hostilities in Yemen and growing concerns over shipping security in the southern Red Sea. Reports presented to the council indicated that Houthi forces had expanded their presence along Yemen’s western coastline and had reportedly taken control of several islands in the area.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a major international maritime route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is important for global commercial shipping. Continued instability in the area has therefore raised wider concerns about the safety of merchant vessels and regional maritime trade.
Pakistan’s remarks at the Security Council reflect its call for an end to attacks on commercial shipping and for greater stability in the strategically important Red Sea region.
