The Leadership Council reaffirms its commitment to implementing all measures to prevent violations of Yemen’s sovereignty.
Presidential Leadership Council Holds Extraordinary Meeting
The Presidential Leadership Council convened an extraordinary meeting led by President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Alimi. All council members attended, including Sultan Al-Aradah, Tariq Saleh, Abdulrahman Al-Mahrimi, Dr. Abdullah Alimi, Othman Majli, Mahmoud Al-Sabihi, and Salem Al-Khanbashi. The meeting focused on national and regional developments, along with proposed policies to address these issues at all levels.
Discussion on Iranian Proposal
During the meeting, the council, joined by Prime Minister Dr. Sha’if Al-Zandani, discussed a request from Iran. The Iranian leadership, through the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, proposed a flight by Iran’s Mahan Air from Tehran to Sana’a. This flight aims to transport Houthi militia members previously moved from Sana’a Airport on July 3, 2026. The council condemned this action as a blatant violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and a challenge to international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Government Initiatives for Civilian Flights
The council reviewed various initiatives proposed by the government to ensure the continuation of civilian flights through Sana’a Airport via Yemenia Airlines. Notably, they discussed regular flights between Sana’a and the Jordanian capital, Amman, to alleviate the suffering of citizens, similar to operations at other Yemeni airports under state management.
Houthi Actions Against Yemenia Airlines
The council highlighted that these humanitarian efforts faced unilateral actions from the Houthi militia. In 2024, the militia seized four Yemenia Airlines planes, disrupting the national carrier’s operations. These military adventures have plunged the country into regional conflicts, leading to the destruction of these aircraft and significant damage to Yemen’s resources.
Continued Commitment Despite Challenges
Despite these challenges, the council affirmed that the government remains committed to facilitating commercial flights through Yemenia Airlines to ease the humanitarian plight of travelers. However, the Houthi militia has consistently rejected these initiatives, aiming to suffocate the Yemeni people. They have sought to replace Yemenia Airlines with Iran’s Mahan Air for flights between Sana’a and Tehran, serving only Iranian interests and exploiting Yemen as a battleground for cross-border extortion.
Assurance to the Yemeni People
The council reassured the Yemeni people, especially those in Houthi-controlled areas, that Yemenia Airlines stands ready to resume commercial flights from Sana’a to Amman and other agreed destinations. This will occur once guarantees are in place to protect the aircraft and crews from interference.
Exploring Alternative Solutions
The council also discussed the possibility of using Yemenia Airlines to transport Houthi members via a chartered flight, emphasizing the need to avoid reliance on foreign airlines that serve Houthi interests.
Commitment to Sovereignty
The Presidential Leadership Council reiterated that the government and armed forces will take all necessary political, diplomatic, and military measures permitted by the constitution and international law. They aim to prevent any further attempts to violate Yemen’s sovereignty or establish a new reality through unauthorized Iranian flights to Sana’a Airport. The council holds Iran and the Houthi militia fully responsible for any consequences arising from these ongoing violations.
Call for Respecting Yemen’s Sovereignty
The council renewed its call for Iran to cease its interference in Yemen’s internal affairs, respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stop using Yemen as a battleground for regional conflicts. Such actions only exacerbate the suffering of the Yemeni people and undermine the peace and stability that all Yemenis seek.
Dr. Yahya Al-Shaibi, Director of the Presidency Office, also attended the meeting.
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