Washington highlights maritime security and counterterrorism cooperation amid renewed fighting around strategic Red Sea areas
RIYADH: The United States has reaffirmed its support for Yemen in confronting Houthi attacks, emphasizing maritime security and counterterrorism cooperation as fighting intensifies across the conflict-hit country.
US Mission to Yemen Charge d’Affaires Neil Hop delivered the message on Sunday during his first meeting with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
According to a statement issued by the US mission, Hop outlined President Donald Trump’s policy priorities and stressed Washington’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Yemen on maritime security and counterterrorism.
Furthermore, Hop expressed support for efforts to counter what Washington describes as Iran-backed Houthi aggression threatening Yemen and US regional partners.
Deadly Attack Targets Strategic Mokha Port
The meeting came amid a significant escalation between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis, with hostilities reportedly reaching their highest level since a UN-mediated truce took effect in 2022.
Earlier on Sunday, Houthi attacks targeting the strategic Mokha port near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and surrounding residential areas killed at least seven civilians and wounded around 35 others, according to official Yemeni media.
Government forces said air defences intercepted 11 Houthi drones involved in the assault. Additionally, forces destroyed an explosives-laden boat that attempted to strike the port.
Missile and Drone Strikes Continue
Meanwhile, the Houthis launched further ballistic missile and drone attacks against Mokha hours after the initial strikes.
Yemen’s Armed Forces Media Centre said the attacks targeted residential areas while government air defences intercepted several incoming drones.
The latest escalation has renewed concerns over security around Bab al-Mandab, a strategically important maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Consequently, Washington has increasingly emphasized maritime security as attacks threaten shipping routes and regional stability.
