US seeks stronger UN powers to intercept Red Sea shipments to Yemen’s Houthis

Pentagon also considering redesignating Iranian-backed Houthis as terrorist group

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The US is seeking global support to give the UN clearer powers to interdict ships in the Red Sea heading for Houthi-controlled Yemen ports, as part of a concerted attempt to weaken the Iranian-backed group, according to the US special envoy.

It is also considering redesignating the Houthis as a terrorist group, a move that would make it more difficult for humanitarian organisations to operate inside the Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen.