The Cabinet discusses the repercussions of Houthi escalation and takes measures to enhance the government’s response to developments.

Government Meeting Addresses Military, Security, and Humanitarian Developments

On Saturday, the Council of Ministers convened in the temporary capital of Aden, led by Prime Minister Dr. Sha’if Mohsen Al-Zandani. The meeting focused on the latest military, security, political, economic, and humanitarian developments amid the escalating military actions by the Houthi militia, supported by the Iranian regime. The council discussed the implications of this escalation on national security, regional stability, and the safety of maritime routes.

Military Operations and Humanitarian Conditions

The council reviewed the progress of military operations across various fronts and assessed combat readiness. They also examined the humanitarian situation resulting from the Houthi escalation, including new waves of displacement. The government outlined measures taken to address humanitarian, service, health, and economic needs to ensure citizens remain unaffected.

Based on reports and updates from relevant ministers, the Council of Ministers approved several directives and necessary actions to enhance the government’s response to current developments. They emphasized the importance of monitoring implementation by ministries and relevant agencies to ensure the continuity of state institutions, protect citizens, and meet their needs amid the escalating situation.

Prime Minister’s Commitment to Citizens

At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Zandani affirmed that the government approaches the current phase with full responsibility and awareness of the challenges. He stated that the government operates from Aden, continuously monitoring developments, evaluating the situation, setting priorities, and making necessary decisions in coordination with the President of the Presidential Leadership Council and its members. He emphasized that the government stands alongside citizens, working tirelessly to fulfill its responsibilities. He stressed that the current escalation, despite its seriousness, will not disrupt state operations or create a vacuum for the Houthi militia and its backers to exploit.

Houthi Escalation as a Strategic Threat

Dr. Al-Zandani clarified that the Houthi escalation is not a fleeting development or merely another round of confrontation. Instead, it represents a broad and dangerous escalation that extends beyond Yemen, connecting to an Iranian agenda that uses Yemen’s strategic location to threaten regional security and international navigation. He asserted that the government’s responsibility is to manage this phase with a state mindset, avoiding exaggeration, denial, or allowing room for rumors and inaccurate assessments.

The Prime Minister reassured citizens across various provinces that their safety and security remain the government’s top priorities. He emphasized that the government’s duty extends beyond military developments to include protecting lives, maintaining essential services, securing needs, and addressing the economic and humanitarian impacts of the escalation. He urged citizens not to let rumors and misleading narratives instill fear or disrupt the internal front.

Defense Minister’s Report on Military Readiness

The Council of Ministers listened to a report from the Minister of Defense regarding military and field conditions across various fronts. The report detailed the developments in confrontations amid the recent Houthi escalation and assessed the operational readiness and needs of forces stationed in combat zones. The Minister highlighted the need to enhance government support for the armed forces and security, boosting their capacity to protect citizens, confront the escalation, and regain the initiative.

The council reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities based on the outcomes and directives from the National Defense Council meeting, chaired by the President of the Presidential Leadership Council. They emphasized enhancing readiness and providing necessary support to the armed forces and security personnel deployed across various fronts. The council paid tribute to the martyrs who fell due to Houthi attacks and wished a speedy recovery for the wounded, assuring that the government would care for the families of the martyrs and uphold their rights while providing the best treatment and care for the injured.

Appreciation for Armed Forces and Local Authorities

The council commended the steadfastness and resilience demonstrated by the armed forces and security personnel across various fronts, recognizing their sacrifices and heroism in defending the homeland and protecting citizens against the Houthi militia’s project. They praised the widespread public support for the armed forces and national forces in this confrontation, reflecting community awareness.

Prime Minister Al-Zandani stressed that the difficult field developments witnessed in recent days should not be interpreted as the end of the confrontation or a resolution of its course. He asserted that battles should not be measured by the outcome of a single day or a change in position but by the state’s ability to reorganize its efforts, mobilize resources, support its forces, maintain institutional cohesion, and regain the initiative.

Humanitarian Response to Houthi Escalation

In terms of humanitarian issues, the Council of Ministers discussed the humanitarian conditions resulting from the Houthi militia’s escalation and the new waves of displacement from affected areas. They directed relevant ministries and government agencies to coordinate with local authorities and international partners to enhance urgent responses, assess needs and the number of displaced persons, and provide shelter, food, water, healthcare, and essential needs. They emphasized improving living conditions and ensuring aid reaches those in need.

The council confirmed that protecting civilians and displaced persons represents an urgent national and humanitarian responsibility, assuring that the government would not abandon families forced to flee.

Local Authorities’ Efforts in Aden

The council praised the efforts of local authorities in Aden to address the repercussions of the escalation, welcoming displaced families from conflict areas and providing essential needs in coordination with government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and international partners. They also acknowledged the efforts of security and military agencies and service providers in maintaining security and stability and ensuring the regularity of public life.

Ensuring Continuity of Essential Services

Regarding service provision, the Council of Ministers reviewed the status of essential services and government plans to ensure they remain unaffected by current developments, particularly in electricity, water, health, and other vital sectors. They emphasized the need to enhance operational readiness, quickly address any emerging bottlenecks, and work with local authorities to ensure service continuity, preventing security and military conditions from disrupting citizens’ lives or hindering their interests.

Impact of Houthi Escalation on Maritime Security

The council discussed the implications of the Houthi escalation on the western coast, Bab al-Mandab, and international shipping. They affirmed that threats to ships and trade routes, as well as risks to maritime navigation, do not solely concern Yemen but pose a threat to regional and international security and trade and supply chains.

The Council of Ministers reiterated the government’s strong condemnation of the renewed Houthi attacks on the territory of the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its legitimate right to protect its security, citizens, and resources. They emphasized that using Yemeni territory as a platform to target Saudi Arabia constitutes aggression against the interests of the Yemeni people before being a threat to its neighbors, revealing the nature of the external agenda driving the Houthi militia.

The council expressed the government’s appreciation for the sincere fraternal positions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the support it provides politically, economically, militarily, and humanitarianly to Yemen and its legitimate leadership. They acknowledged the support of brotherly and friendly countries for Yemen and its people during these circumstances.

Government’s Proactive Approach to the Crisis

The Council of Ministers affirmed that the government does not wait for the crisis to end before taking action. Instead, it actively manages the situation, addresses its impacts, and prepares for what follows. State institutions will continue to fulfill their responsibilities under the most challenging conditions, prioritizing results, fieldwork, and enhancing coordination among various state agencies.

The council stressed that the current phase requires unified government action, institutional discipline, rapid response, and integration across military, security, humanitarian, economic, and service sectors to maintain citizens’ resilience and strengthen the state’s capacity to face challenges.

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