The Minister of Information stated that the Houthis’ release of new Al-Qaeda leaders highlights an Iranian-backed terrorism alliance.

Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has raised alarms over the recent release of Al-Qaeda leaders by the Iran-backed Houthi militias. This release includes prominent figures such as Abu Musab Al-Rada’i and Abu Mohsen Al-Awlaki. Al-Eryani described this action as further evidence of the ongoing collaboration between the Houthis and terrorist organizations, facilitated by direct Iranian support. He emphasized that this partnership aims to undermine the Yemeni state, promote violence and extremism, and expand terrorist activities in the region, posing threats to both regional and international interests.

Historical Context of Houthi-Terrorist Collaboration

Al-Eryani noted that this recent development is not an isolated incident. It continues a troubling pattern of cooperation between the Houthis and terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS since the Houthis’ coup against the legitimate government in 2015. Following their takeover of the capital, Sana’a, the Houthis released hundreds of terrorists from political and national security prisons.

Key incidents include the release of 20 terrorists on November 13, 2018, comprising 16 from Al-Qaeda and four from ISIS. In December 2019, the Houthis freed six Al-Qaeda members, followed by the release of three individuals involved in the assassination of Saudi diplomat Khalid Al-Sabitan Al-Anzi in mid-2020. On April 22 of the same year, the Houthis released 43 Al-Qaeda members of various nationalities, including Abdullah Al-Minhali, who had previously been detained in a security operation in Hadramout. Most recently, on February 14, 2023, the Houthis freed two more Al-Qaeda members, Al-Qaqaa Al-Bihani and Muwahed Al-Baydani.

Impact on Regional Security

Al-Eryani asserted that the support provided by the Houthi militias has directly enabled terrorist organizations to reorganize and regain their operational capabilities. Since 2015, Yemeni security forces have dealt significant blows to these groups, dismantling their networks and reducing their influence in several regions, including Hadramout, Shabwa, Abyan, and Al-Bayda. However, the Houthis’ complicity has allowed these groups to regain strength.

The minister warned that this dubious alliance between the Houthis and terrorist organizations increases the likelihood of extremist groups exploiting the security vacuum in Yemen. This situation threatens to facilitate the resurgence of terrorism at a regional level, directly endangering the security of neighboring countries, particularly those in the Gulf region. Furthermore, it fosters an environment conducive to violence and extremism, promoting cross-border terrorist activities.

Global Implications of Houthi Actions

Al-Eryani highlighted that this alliance poses risks not only to Yemen but also threatens to export violence beyond its borders. The recent uptick in Houthi attacks on commercial vessels and oil tankers in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden jeopardizes international maritime security, threatens global trade, and impacts the global economy.

In closing, Al-Eryani cautioned against the dangers of ignoring these threats and failing to address them seriously. He warned that such negligence would lead to increased violence and terrorism, ultimately costing the international community dearly. The repeated Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes in recent months exemplify the failure to contain this threat at its early stages.

Call to Action for the International Community

Al-Eryani urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities. He called for decisive and immediate actions, including designating the Houthi militia as a global terrorist organization, similar to the recent U.S. decision. Additionally, he emphasized the need to cut off their political, economic, and media funding sources while supporting the legitimate Yemeni government in its national struggle to restore the state and enhance its capabilities in combating terrorism and extremism.

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