Yemen Monitor / New York / Exclusive:
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has strongly condemned the recent attacks by the Houthi movement on international shipping in the Red Sea, warning of serious environmental and economic consequences and stressing that endangering the lives of civilian seafarers “cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
In a press statement, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the escalation targeting maritime navigation threatens the stability of global supply chains and international maritime security. He called for an immediate end to the attacks, warning that they are harming the global economy.
Dominguez emphasized that civilian seafarers perform essential work that supports communities and economies around the world, stating:
“Under no circumstances should they be placed at risk or made targets in conflicts and situations of political or military instability.”
The statement warned that the continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea—one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes—could further escalate regional tensions, disrupt global commerce, and undermine the internationally recognized principle of freedom of navigation.
The Secretary-General also expressed deep concern over the environmental implications of the incidents, highlighting the risk of a major marine pollution disaster in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz if tankers or other vessels are seriously damaged.
The IMO renewed its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all seafarers detained in connection with previous piracy incidents and vessel seizures in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, stressing that ensuring their safety and protection is an international obligation and a shared responsibility of the global community.
The IMO Secretary-General concluded by urging ship operators and shipping companies to conduct thorough risk assessments before transiting the region. He emphasized that de-escalation of military tensions is the only viable path to resolving the current maritime crisis, adding that the organization is closely monitoring developments and stands ready to provide the necessary support.
