North Korea Demands U.S. Halt Military Action Against Houthis

North Korea has demanded the U.S. end its military actions against the Houthi militia, describing them as violations of sovereignty. President Trump initiated significant military offensive against the Houthis, citing threats to international shipping. The conflict raises concerns for regional peace and maritime security, with the Houthis rejecting calls for de-escalation from Iran.

North Korea has issued a demand to the United States, requesting an end to its “indiscriminate use of force” amid ongoing U.S. military actions against the Houthi militia group in Yemen. Ma Tong Hui, North Korea’s envoy to Egypt and Yemen, expressed that these airstrikes represent a violation of the sovereignty of other nations, highlighting North Korea’s increasing alignment with Iran, Moscow, and Beijing in global matters. The U.S. Central Command has not provided a comment regarding North Korea’s statements.

The Houthi rebels, who maintain control over Yemen’s capital and significant portions of the Red Sea coastline, briefly paused their attacks on merchant vessels but have recently resumed efforts to blockade shipments to Israel following a breakdown in the Gaza ceasefire. During this escalation, President Donald Trump initiated military offensives against the Houthis, accusing them of piracy and violence that endanger U.S. and allied shipping interests, costing the global economy billions.

North Korea criticized the U.S. for its military operations, asserting that these actions are detrimental to achieving peace in the region and undermine Trump’s own campaign promises. The North Korean envoy remarked, “At present, the situation in the Middle East has plunged into an uncontrollable evil cycle…” This sentiment reflects the broader regional unrest exacerbated by the U.S. military’s intervention.

U.S. Central Command has released footage showing airstrikes involving the USS Harry S. Truman’s carrier strike group, which targeted Houthi-controlled areas in several consecutive nights of bombardment. Moreover, the Houthi-affiliated media reported retaliatory strikes against U.S. naval forces, indicating a heightening conflict. Observers have pointed out the substantial use of costly ammunition by U.S. forces against relatively cheaper weapons employed by state-sponsored militant groups.

In a recent social media post, President Trump urged Iran to stop supporting the Houthis, who have claimed autonomy in their actions despite Iranian backing. Houthi officials have declared that they will not mitigate their offensive operations against Israel and its allies, regardless of diplomatic appeals.

Since late 2023, Houthi militias have reportedly attacked over 130 commercial vessels near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, significantly impacting maritime operations in this crucial shipping lane. Instances of ship transits through this passage have drastically plummeted, reflecting growing concerns among shipping companies regarding safety in the area.

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War have reported the Houthis’ refusal to adhere to Iranian requests to reduce aggression against international shipping and the United States. This highlights the complex dynamics of the region, where local actors assert their independence despite external influences.

In summary, North Korea’s recent demand for the U.S. to cease military action underscores the increasing complexity of international relations in the Middle East, particularly as it pertains to the U.S.’s involvement in Yemen. President Trump’s military operations against the Houthis have heightened regional tensions, leading to a renewed conflict in maritime routes. The Houthis’ resilience and outright defiance toward both their adversaries and their Iranian backers signify a potentially volatile situation moving forward, with implications for global trade and regional stability.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com