Pakistan condemns Houthis' 'nefarious designs' to weaponise Bab al-Mandab

Pakistan has condemned Houthis' "nefarious designs" to weaponise Bab al-Mandab, calling on the group to immediately halt attacks on merchant ships and seafarers in in the strategic waterway.

Speaking at a UNSC Arria-Formula meeting, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping.

This month, Yemen's Houthis launched a lightning offensive to take over the country's entire Red Sea coast, giving them control over the vital Bab al-Mandab strait.

The group has declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, targeting Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea as well as sites within the kingdom.