Official Statement by Southern Transitional Council

The recent Houthi terrorist seizure of international vessels is an alarming threat to regional and international security and stability which directly threatens Yemen's and the world's food security.  The Southern Transitional Council strongly condemns these acts of terrorist piracy and calls on the international community to shoulder the grave responsibility of confronting and deterring these threats with the utmost resolve.  Houthi actions and persistent terrorist behavior continue to obstruct all peace efforts in the South and Yemen, as well as at the regional level.

The Houthi seizure of a vessel in the territorial waters of the Gulf of Aden represents an escalation of the pattern of ongoing violations and acts of aggression against the people and the government in Southern Yemen and serves as further evidence that this terrorist group routinely exploits humanitarian issues to conceal its grave crimes against humanity.  It is also further evidence that the Houthi are acting as a tool of the Islamic Republic of Iran - obedient to its directives and causing harm to its neighboring countries.

The Southern Transitional Council emphasizes its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of international navigation and safeguarding the vital international trade routes in the Bab Al-Mandab, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea.  To achieve this the Council remains ready to enhance the capabilities of our southern naval forces through cooperation with Arab coalition partners and other regional and international partners.

Southern Transitional Council
Date: Sunday, November 26, 2023