“Threat to Europe’s trade” – Yemen’s foreign minister asks for help in the fight against Houthis

The Foreign Minister of Yemen is appealing to Germans and Europeans to give their country more support in the war against the Houthi rebels, which are supported by Iran. “Sharper sanctions are needed against Houthi financiers, arms suppliers and smuggling networks,” Afrah Al-Zouba told WELT AM SONNTAG.

Concrete support is also necessary for the Yemeni armed forces and the coast guard through training, equipment and the exchange of intelligence. Humanitarian aid for displaced families and other groups of people who suffered from the Houthis' tyranny must be expanded.

On Thursday, news agencies reported that Shiite Houthi rebels had attacked the headquarters of the internationally recognized government in the port city of Aden. Projectiles struck in the immediate vicinity of the building complex. Two people were killed; according to official information, government officials were not affected. Tais, Yemen's third largest city, is surrounded by the Houthis and its residents are virtually cut off from the outside world.

The war in Yemen, which has been ongoing since 2015, escalated again when the Houthis fought for control of the access to the Red Sea in the summer. Since last week, the government and allied militias have been trying to retake the so-called Gate of Tears or Bab al-Mandab. Around two thirds of Euro-Asian goods trade and almost 15 percent of the fuel for the global energy supply flow through the strait.

Zouba made it clear to WELT AM SONNTAG that pushing back the rebels is in Europe's self-interest. “With direct support from Iran, the Houthis have become part of a broader network that threatens international security,” said the minister, who plans to visit Berlin at the beginning of November.

The militia also works with terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa, threatening two of the world's most important maritime trade routes, the Bab al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz, al-Zouba said.

Accusation of systematic sexual violence

“This poses an immediate threat to European trade, energy security and economic stability,” Zouba said. The Houthis besieged millions of civilians in the city of Taiz, recruiting children, obstructing humanitarian aid and attacking civilian infrastructure. The militia is also accused by the United Nations of systematic sexual violence.

Zouba thanked Germany for its humanitarian aid so far. “Germany holds a special place in the hearts of many Yemenis – due to its principled stance, its long-standing friendship and its reliable commitment to the Yemeni people,” said Zouba.

In 2025, Berlin provided around 25 million euros for humanitarian purposes in Yemen, which, however, will not go to the government, but to aid organizations. Support from the government security forces was also ruled out.

Yemenis did not want others to fight their battles, Zouba said. “We ask for help to secure a future in which the people of Yemen can live in peace – and in which our beloved homeland can no longer be used to threaten the world.”

Daniel-Dylan Böhmer, senior editor in the foreign policy department, has been traveling to the countries of the Middle East for decades. He primarily deals with regional and global security issues.