The dangerous attacks by the Houthi rebels have militarized the Red Sea and ignited regional and international competition over it, exacerbating the humanitarian and economic crisis in Yemen.
These attacks have further destroyed the country's human resources and infrastructure, which had already suffered significant damage during the war that erupted in late March 2015.
Since January 12th, the capital Sanaa and several provinces have been subjected to intense and targeted airstrikes on military sites belonging to the Houthi militia, backed by Iran, including ballistic missile launch platforms.
This is in response to the reckless attacks launched by the Houthis since November 19th against commercial ships in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden.
The security threat in the Red Sea has disrupted maritime shipping and international trade, resulting in price hikes and delays in life-saving goods shipments.
Yemenis fear a drastic deterioration of the Yemeni currency, increased inflation, and a new wave of price hikes in the coming days affecting essential goods, food, oil derivatives, household gas, transportation fees between and within provinces, and service charges, all fueled by the disturbances in the Red Sea.
Humanitarian organizations operating in Yemen have warned that further escalation may force more organizations to suspend their operations in areas experiencing ongoing hostilities. The impact on vital infrastructure, including strategic ports, will have significant effects on the entry of essential goods into a country heavily reliant on imports.
Organizations have cautioned that the scarcity and increased costs of essential goods, such as food and fuel, will only worsen the already dire economic crisis and increase reliance on aid, thus increasing protection risks.
Peter Hawkins, the UN Resident Coordinator and Acting Humanitarian Coordinator, stated that Yemeni civilians have been suffering immensely for over nine years due to the conflict, economic deterioration, infrastructure, and public service failures, in addition to climate change.
The UN and its partners reviewed the humanitarian needs in Yemen for the current year and the response plan to reach millions with life-saving assistance and protection.
Given the urgent needs, relief officials appealed for immediate support for over 18.2 million people. The implementation of the humanitarian response plan for Yemen this year requires $2.7 billion to achieve what is described as an enhanced and goal-oriented approach to humanitarian programs. Hawkins added in a statement that Yemen is at a critical turning point and has a unique opportunity to move away from the humanitarian crisis by addressing the root causes.
While noting the additional risks resulting from regional conflict dynamics and Houthi recklessness in escalating in the Red Sea, the UN official affirmed the humanitarian community's commitment to staying and providing services. Hawkins urged donors not to abandon the Yemeni people and called on them to continue providing urgent support to save lives, build resilience, and fund sustainable interventions.
After over nine years of conflict, 18.2 million people in Yemen still require support, with estimates indicating that 17.6 million people will face food insecurity by 2024.
