G7 Nations Demand Immediate Halt to Houthi Strikes on Saudi Arabia

Leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have issued a formal call for Yemen's Houthi movement to immediately cease all military actions against Saudi Arabia. The statement, released on Tuesday, represents a unified show of solidarity with Riyadh as the conflict in the Middle East enters a volatile new phase. The G7 coalition includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These nations expressed deep concern over the recent surge in violence and its potential to destabilize global markets. The Houthi movement has recently conducted a rapid offensive to seize control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline. This includes the strategic port city of Mokha, which serves as a vital gateway for international shipping. By securing these positions, the Houthi forces have increased their influence over key maritime waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. These routes are essential for the global transport of crude oil and other critical goods. The G7 statement specifically condemned threats and attacks against civilian shipping vessels. The leaders urged all parties involved to return to the political process in good faith to resolve the underlying issues. Furthermore, the G7 called upon Iran to end its support for the Houthi movement. The group alleged that Tehran is currently in violation of past United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding the arming of regional proxies. The ongoing war in Yemen, which first began in 2014 when the Houthis captured the capital city of Sanaa, had remained largely frozen since 2022. However, hostilities resumed in July, leading to a dramatic escalation in regional tensions. Saudi Arabia has led a coalition supporting the internationally recognized government since 2015. This intervention has contributed to what international aid organizations describe as one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Recent reports indicate that Saudi airstrikes on the port of Mokha resulted in at least six deaths and eight injuries. These strikes followed a Houthi attack on Riyadh, which marked the first time the Saudi capital had been targeted in several years. In response to the growing threat, the United Kingdom has agreed to provide defensive military support to Saudi Arabia. Reports suggest this includes air-to-air refueling capabilities for Saudi jets to assist in protecting their airspace. France has also pledged to work toward securing Saudi energy infrastructure, emphasizing a strictly defensive approach. French officials clarified that this commitment does not involve direct participation in the conflict against the Houthi forces. The situation remains fluid as global powers monitor the impact on energy prices and the safety of critical trade routes.