The United States Calls for 'Immediate and Decisive Action' Against Houthis and Their Supporters

On January 16, the Deputy Ambassador and U.S. Representative to the United Nations, during a Security Council meeting, highlighted the increasing threats posed by the Houthis to international peace and security, urging the global community to take immediate and decisive actions against this group and its supporters. Dorothy Shea referenced the Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and stated, 'In addition to their sabotage activities in international waters, the Houthis have recently resorted to detaining innocent Yemenis and are even targeting former embassy and NGO staff.' She also criticized the hostage-taking of the crew of the 'Galaxy Leader' by the Houthis and emphasized that it is time for the UN Security Council to hold the Iranian government accountable for supporting all Houthi sabotage. The U.S. representative stressed the need for serious actions to prevent financing for this group and to use targeted sanctions to cut off their connections with other terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab. Dorothy Shea reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people, stating, 'While over half of Yemen's population still needs humanitarian aid, the Houthis are imposing restrictions and worsening the situation. The United States, as the largest donor to Yemen, calls on the global community to provide more financial support to address this crisis.' More than 19.5 million people in Yemen will need humanitarian assistance in 2025. This warning was issued on Wednesday by Joyce Msuya, the Acting Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Msuya emphasized, 'The people of Yemen continue to face a severe humanitarian crisis and need support.' She added that this crisis is gradually worsening and referenced the 2025 UN humanitarian needs overview, which indicates a significant increase in needs. According to her statements, about 17 million people, nearly half of the country's population, are unable to meet their basic food needs. She also mentioned, 'At least 19.5 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance and support, which is 1.3 million more than last year.' Additionally, it is estimated that around 4.8 million people remain internally displaced, most of whom are women and children. Nearly half of children under five in Yemen suffer from moderate to severe stunting due to malnutrition. Meanwhile, the country's healthcare system is under severe pressure from the widespread outbreak of cholera. Israeli fighter jets refueled in the sky during an attack on Yemen attributed to Houthi missile attacks on Israel. Israeli attacks on Houthi positions; Katz: It was a clear message to Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. Israel shot down 'missiles and drones' from the Iran-backed Houthis. CENTCOM: Multiple precise attacks were carried out against Houthi targets. The U.S. emphasizes the need to hold the Iranian government accountable and to stop Houthi attacks.