Aden — John Kelley, Political Advisor to the United States Mission to the United Nations, has called on the international community to take decisive action against the flow of illicit financial and material resources to the Houthi militia in Yemen, warning that such support continues to fuel instability and obstruct peace efforts.

Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on Yemen, Kelley stressed that “if the United States and the broader international community are serious about ending the conflict in Yemen, they must disrupt the Houthis’ access to illicit funding and supplies.” 

He cited mounting evidence of Iranian-backed smuggling networks that enable the Houthis to procure weapons and sustain their military operations.

Kelley’s remarks come amid growing concern over the Houthis’ escalating attacks on maritime routes, unlawful detentions of UN staff, and deepening ties with extremist groups. 

He emphasized that the Houthis’ actions not only threaten regional stability but also violate international law and humanitarian norms.

The U.S. has recently intensified sanctions targeting Houthi-linked entities across Yemen, China, the UAE, and the Marshall Islands, aiming to dismantle the financial and logistical infrastructure behind the group’s operations.

Kelley reaffirmed Washington’s support for a UN-led peace process and urged member states to enhance enforcement mechanisms against arms trafficking and illicit finance. 

He also called for increased humanitarian access and protection of aid workers, following reports of Houthi raids on UN offices and the seizure of relief assets.

The statement reflects a broader shift in U.S. policy toward more assertive measures to counter the Houthis’ regional influence and pressure them into meaningful negotiations.