Aden -- Yemeni and American officials have held high-level discussions to address escalating security threats in the Red Sea and the continued targeting of humanitarian personnel by Houthi forces. 

The talks come amid growing international concern over maritime safety and human rights violations in Houthi-controlled territories.

According to a recent U.S. Congressional Research Service report, the Red Sea—particularly the Bab al-Mandab Strait—has become a flashpoint for regional instability, with Houthi forces launching attacks on commercial and military vessels since late 2023. 

These operations have disrupted global shipping routes and prompted retaliatory strikes by the United States and Israel.

During the bilateral meetings, Yemeni representatives emphasized the urgent need for enhanced maritime security coordination, including intelligence sharing, naval patrols, and protection of humanitarian corridors. U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government in countering threats posed by Iran-backed militias.

Parallel to the security dialogue, human rights organizations have sounded the alarm over a surge in Houthi violations against aid workers. A Human Rights Watch report revealed that since May 31, 2025, dozens of staff members from UN agencies and civil society organizations have been arbitrarily detained or forcibly disappeared by Houthi authorities. 

These abuses have severely hindered humanitarian operations in northern Yemen, where over 18 million people rely on aid.

The United Nations has condemned the attacks on humanitarian personnel and called for their immediate release. 

UN spokespersons have also warned that the targeting of aid workers and the militarization of aid routes could amount to war crimes under international law.

Yemeni Foreign Ministry officials urged Washington to increase diplomatic pressure on the Houthis and to support accountability mechanisms through the UN Security Council. They also requested logistical and technical assistance to secure aid delivery points and protect humanitarian staff.

As tensions persist, the outcome of these talks may shape future U.S. engagement in Yemen and influence broader efforts to stabilize the Red Sea region. Observers note that without concrete measures to curb Houthi aggression and safeguard humanitarian access, both regional security and civilian welfare remain at grave risk.