- Ansar Allah Spokesman Describes Current Operations as ‘Limited’ and Defensive
SANAA: International trade and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait remain safe and stable, spokesman for Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement, Mohammed Abdel Salam, has said.
In a statement, Abdel Salam sought to reassure the international community, saying maritime traffic and international trade in the strategically important waterways were continuing normally and that there was no need for concern over freedom of navigation.
Houthi Movement Says Operations Are Limited in Scope
The Ansar Allah spokesman described the movement’s ongoing military operations as “limited” and defensive in nature, arguing that activities in several coastal areas constituted what he called a national operation aimed at asserting sovereignty.
The statement comes amid continuing tensions surrounding the Red Sea, one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, through which significant volumes of international commercial traffic pass.
Yemen Conflict Continues to Fuel Regional Tensions
The armed conflict between Yemen’s internationally recognized government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, and the Houthi movement has continued since 2014, creating prolonged political and security instability in the country.
Tensions have intensified in recent weeks, with the Houthis reportedly conducting ground and missile operations in parts of southwestern Yemen. The movement has also carried out drone and missile attacks affecting areas along the Red Sea coast.
Strategic Importance of Bab el-Mandeb
The developments have drawn particular attention to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean.
Houthi advances and military activity along Yemen’s western and southwestern coastline have raised concerns over potential disruptions to maritime supply routes serving the Red Sea port of Mocha and other strategically important areas.
Despite the heightened security situation, Abdel Salam maintained that international navigation and trade through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb remain safe and regular, while portraying the movement’s current military activities as defensive and limited in scope.
BY: The Times Union
