The Cabinet: The liberation of Bab al-Mandab is a strategic turning point, while the Houthi militia responds with terrorism against airports in Aden and Saudi Arabia.

Yemeni Cabinet Declares Strategic Shift Following Liberation of Bab al-Mandab

The Yemeni Cabinet convened today, Sunday, in the temporary capital of Aden, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Sha’if Mohsen Al-Zandani. The meeting emphasized that Yemen is currently experiencing a critical phase focused on regaining sovereignty over its entire territory and dismantling the Houthi coup, which Iran finances and manages.

Recognition of Military Victories

The Cabinet praised the victories achieved by the Southern Giants Brigades, the National Shield Forces, and popular resistance, supported by the Coalition for Supporting Legitimacy. Notably, they highlighted the steady progress towards controlling the Bab al-Mandab Strait after liberating Dhobab and strategic locations in its vicinity, effectively severing the route between Dhobab and Al-Makha.

This strategic shift in one of the world’s most vital waterways will strip the militia of its leverage over international shipping. The Cabinet condemned the Houthi militia’s recent attacks on Aden International Airport, coinciding with assaults on airports and civilian facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They characterized these actions as cowardly terrorist acts from a militia facing military defeat, attempting to mask its losses with civilian bloodshed.

Houthi Aggression and Civilian Impact

Dr. Al-Zandani stated that the militia, disoriented by the “Dawn of Yemen” strikes and the loss of Bab al-Mandab, has shifted its focus to civilians and civilian infrastructure. This aggressive approach threatens both Yemen and the Kingdom, jeopardizing regional security and the safety of air and maritime navigation.

He emphasized that Houthi terrorism will not alter the course of the battle, halt its progress, or reverse the situation. The government is not merely managing a temporary defensive phase; it is leading state institutions in a national battle to restore its authority.

Call for Proactive Measures

The Prime Minister urged all executive authority agencies to transition from reactive measures to proactive actions. He called for maximum readiness, ensuring that the armed forces, military formations, and popular resistance receive all necessary support to protect civilians and facilities while maintaining essential services. He stressed that this decisive battle is not limited to a front or city; it is about restoring state authority and sovereignty, protecting Yemen and the region, and securing international navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab from Iranian Houthi threats.

Approval of Anti-Houthi Legislation

The Cabinet approved a draft law classifying the Houthi group as a terrorist organization and criminalizing its activities and financing. This decision followed a presentation by the Minister of Legal Affairs, and the Cabinet directed the completion of the necessary constitutional and legal procedures for ratifying the law.

Military Readiness and Support

The Cabinet listened to a briefing from the Minister of Defense regarding the latest developments on the ground, readiness levels, and the needs required to continue operations. They announced full support for the operation and committed to utilizing all state resources to back it.

They affirmed that any temporary complications on certain fronts are typical in warfare and will not affect the steadfastness of the national objective. The operation will continue until the goals of “Dawn of Yemen” are achieved, liberating the remaining territories and reaching the capital, Sana’a.

Tribute to Military Heroes

The Cabinet expressed deep respect and admiration for the heroes of the Southern Giants, the National Shield Forces, the army, and popular resistance who have displayed heroic feats in Bab al-Mandab and other fronts. They honored the martyrs and wished for the swift recovery of the wounded.

Comprehensive National Battle

The Cabinet emphasized that this battle is a comprehensive existential struggle requiring political, economic, security, humanitarian, and media readiness. The government will mobilize all state institutions to support the fronts, protect civilians, and enhance community resilience.

Appreciation for Saudi Support

The Cabinet acknowledged the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, government, and people, as well as the role of the Coalition for Supporting Legitimacy in backing the “Dawn of Yemen” operations. They affirmed that both countries represent a security system and share a common destiny in confronting the cross-border threat posed by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia, asserting that their security is indivisible.

Public and Tribal Support

The Cabinet praised the growing public and tribal support for the battle, viewing it as a powerful national will to close the chapter on the coup permanently. They reiterated that the militia’s crimes against civilians, particularly in Taiz Governorate, will not go unpunished.

They reaffirmed that the door to return to the homeland remains open for those misled, under the general amnesty announced by the President of the Presidential Leadership Council. They urged citizens in areas controlled by the militia to reject the use of their children as fuel for futile battles that serve an Iranian agenda, which seeks instability and chaos in Yemen.

Attack on Aden Airport

Regarding the attack on Aden Airport, the Cabinet reviewed an initial report from the Minister of Transport about the missile and drone assault that endangered the lives of passengers, workers, and flight crews. They noted the urgent measures taken by relevant authorities, including rerouting a Yemenia Airlines flight from Cairo to Jeddah and evacuating aircraft, passengers, and staff from danger zones.

They stressed that targeting a civilian airport while a commercial aircraft is approaching for landing constitutes a grave crime and a blatant violation of civil aviation protection rules. They directed the completion of documentation and submission of the case to relevant international organizations, alongside necessary legal actions.

Security Situation in Aden

The Cabinet also reviewed a report from the Minister of Interior regarding the security situation in Aden and liberated provinces. They called for heightened security vigilance and a firm, uncompromising response to any attempts to undermine security or exploit military developments.

They commended the grassroots initiatives and support convoys heading to the fronts, highlighting the efforts of the community support campaign led by the Minister of Youth and Sports.

Condolences for Saudi Attack Victims

The Cabinet extended heartfelt condolences to the Saudi leadership, government, and people, as well as to the families of the victims of the cowardly terrorist attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. They prayed for the victims’ souls and wished for the swift recovery of the injured. They affirmed that the actions of the Houthi terrorist militia against innocent passengers and workers constitute a complete war crime, revealing once again that this group disregards the sanctity of blood and the weight of the law, posing a grave threat to Yemenis and regional and global security.

The Cabinet reiterated that the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen are interconnected, asserting that any attack on the Kingdom is an attack on Yemen and its security and future generations. They expressed full support for the President of the Presidential Leadership Council’s announcement to continue the “Dawn of Yemen” operation until the terrorist threat is eliminated and state institutions are restored, regardless of the sacrifices involved. They called on the international community and the Security Council to take responsibility by issuing a clear condemnation and holding accountable those responsible for this crime and those supplying them with weapons, emphasizing that leniency towards this militia comes at the expense of civilians in Yemen and the region.

The Cabinet appreciated the royal directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in response to the request of the President of the Presidential Leadership Council to regularize the status of Yemenis in the Kingdom who are residing there unlawfully and to provide them with the necessary facilitation.

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