Defense Minister: We have comprehensive strategic plans and are ready to move towards Sana’a.

In a recent interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Yemen’s Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Mohsen Al-Dhaeri, emphasized the readiness of the armed forces for both war and peace. He stated that comprehensive strategic plans exist for mobilizing troops, particularly aimed at advancing toward the capital, Sana’a. Al-Dhaeri underscored the military’s primary objective: “Our main goal is Sana’a. These militias represent a temporary project that does not adhere to promises or agreements and can collapse at any moment.”

Current Situation and Future Prospects

Al-Dhaeri acknowledged the past two years of relative calm, marked by a ceasefire. He noted significant efforts from the coalition to achieve peace, which he views as preferable to conflict. However, he cautioned that hostilities could resume at any time. “Despite the ceasefire and the halt of fire from legitimate forces, we still see daily provocations from the militias, resulting in casualties. Patience remains a virtue of the legitimate authority in Yemen, led by Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces,” he stated.

Progress in Military Unity

The Defense Minister highlighted the advancements made by the military unity committees formed by the Presidential Leadership Council. These committees have established a Joint Operations Authority, which he described as a significant step toward consolidating military leadership against the common threat posed by Houthi militias.

“The committees have made substantial progress, even if they have not yet reached the desired level in a short time. They faced numerous challenges but have successfully formed a Joint Operations Authority that includes all components,” he explained.

Addressing Maritime Security

Turning to maritime security, Al-Dhaeri warned that Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea pose a significant threat to Yemen and the surrounding region. He attributed these attacks to the militia’s struggles on the ground, particularly following the events of October 7 in Gaza, which coincided with their last stand in several regions, including Dhamar and Sana’a.

“They attempted to create a narrative of supporting Gaza to exploit the Yemenis’ sympathy for Palestine, but these actions ultimately harm the Yemeni people and the region,” he added.

Regional Dynamics and Threats

Al-Dhaeri expressed concern over external forces attempting to portray the Houthis as a regional power. He asserted, “In reality, they are insignificant and have failed to make any advances on the ground. Their strategy relies on extorting nations navigating the Red Sea.”

He warned that the Houthis would continue targeting international shipping, regardless of the situation in Gaza. “They are always seeking new alliances with terrorist factions and exploiting regional conflicts to assert their presence, but they will eventually be defeated,” he stated.

Iran’s Role and International Support

The Defense Minister criticized Iran’s long-standing support for the Houthis, which includes smuggling weapons and expertise to incite chaos without regard for the region’s stability. “Iran has consistently backed the militias to carry out hostile operations, but their ultimate goals remain unclear. They only export death to Yemen and the region, believing they can dominate, but the peoples of the region will never surrender,” he remarked.

Al-Dhaeri acknowledged the high level of coordination between Yemeni forces and the coalition’s Joint Operations Command, praising Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as the coalition leader. He noted that Saudi Arabia has continuously provided comprehensive support to Yemen, both militarily and morally.

Support from Allied Nations

The Defense Minister described the defense cooperation between Yemen and Saudi Arabia as at its highest level. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia has never hesitated to provide assistance in various forms, including military, financial, and strategic expertise. “The Kingdom has always supported its Yemeni brothers with full commitment, offering not only material aid but also sharing experiences and sacrifices in our shared cause,” he stated.

Al-Dhaeri also highlighted the strong relationships the Yemeni government maintains with friendly nations, particularly noting Saudi Arabia and the UAE as key supporters during the recent conflict. However, he pointed out that U.S. military assistance has been lacking since 2014.

“We always say that those who stand by us in such matters are our true friends. Those who leave us to face our fate alone are not our friends. In truth, we have found no one who has supported us as steadfastly as our brothers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Arab nations like Egypt and Sudan,” he concluded.

This article underscores Yemen’s military readiness and the ongoing challenges posed by external threats, particularly from the Houthi militias, while highlighting the importance of regional alliances and international support in addressing these issues.

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