The National Defense Council affirms the state’s ability to regain initiative and prevent the Yemeni coast from being used for global extortion.

President Alimi Leads National Defense Council Meeting

On Thursday, President Dr. Rashad Muhammad Alimi, the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, convened a meeting of the National Defense Council. The meeting included members of the council: Sultan Al-Aradah, Abdulrahman Al-Mahrami, Dr. Abdullah Alimi, Othman Majali, Mahmoud Al-Sabihi, and Salem Al-Khanbashi. Council member Tariq Saleh was absent with an excuse.

Discussion on Military Developments

The meeting, attended by Speaker of the House Sheikh Sultan Al-Barakani, Prime Minister Dr. Sha’if Al-Zandani, Chairman of the Shura Council Dr. Ahmed Obeid Bin Daghr, and Chairman of the Consultation and Reconciliation Commission Muhammad Al-Ghaithi, focused on the military developments across various operational theaters. The discussions addressed the recent escalation of terrorist activities by Houthi militias and its implications for national security, regional stability, and the safety of maritime routes.

Reports on Combat Readiness

The council reviewed military and security reports regarding operations in the fronts of Taiz, Marib, Al-Jawf, Al-Bayda, and Al-Dhale, as well as other areas. They assessed combat readiness and the measures taken to regain the initiative in several fronts.

Acknowledgment of Armed Forces

The National Defense Council praised the heroes of the armed forces and security, commending their significant victories and achievements in the fronts of Marib, Al-Jawf, and Al-Bayda. The council recognized their bravery and resilience in thwarting militia plans and inflicting substantial losses on them.

Stance on Coastal Developments

The council addressed recent developments in the western coast of Taiz, including the repositioning of forces in the area. They emphasized that any temporary military advance would not grant the militias the right to impose a fait accompli by force. They reiterated that this battle is not merely about a location or a single front but a comprehensive national struggle to restore state institutions and assert sovereignty over all national territory. Any attempt by the militias to convert a temporary military gain into a permanent political or geographical reality is merely an illusion that the will of the Yemeni people and the bravery of their armed forces will dispel.

Commitment to National Sovereignty

The National Defense Council stressed that the comprehensive battle to restore state institutions cannot leave any part of the Republic outside its sovereignty. They affirmed that no area of Yemeni land, coasts, or islands would become a platform for threatening Yemen, its neighbors, or international navigation. The council committed to fulfilling its constitutional and national responsibilities until the end of the coup and the threats facing Yemen, the region, and the world.

Deterrence Operations

In this context, the council confirmed that the deterrence operations initiated by the armed forces would not be limited to a specific front or area. They will respond decisively, based on military assessments, rules of engagement, and international humanitarian law, to threats and militia movements across various operational theaters.

Call for Civilian Compliance

The council urged citizens in operational areas to fully comply with instructions and guidance from the armed forces and relevant authorities. They advised avoiding militia sites, movements, gatherings, and arms depots to ensure their safety and facilitate the armed forces’ tasks in protecting civilians and addressing threats.

Yemen’s Role in Maritime Security

The council emphasized that Yemen, while defending Bab Al-Mandab, its coasts, islands, and territorial waters, is not only protecting itself but also standing on the front line for freedom of navigation, maritime security, and the stability of global trade. Yemen’s efforts safeguard the interests of nations and peoples beyond its borders.

International Responsibility

The National Defense Council called on the international community, particularly the Security Council, permanent member states, Red Sea coastal countries, and international partners, to fulfill their responsibilities. They urged not to allow Bab Al-Mandab and Yemeni coasts and islands to become tools for extortion or platforms for threatening navigation and international trade. Yemen does not seek the world to fight its battles but rather to implement international legitimacy and support its government in protecting its territory, sovereignty, territorial waters, and national institutions.

Accountability for Houthi Actions

The council held the Houthi militias fully responsible for the consequences of their terrorist escalation, including severe human rights violations, targeting residential areas, public roads, and civilian facilities with shelling, sniping, and drones, leading to the displacement of thousands of civilians. They affirmed that the militias initiated this war and must bear the consequences of this choice.

Condemnation of Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The National Defense Council condemned the renewed attacks by Houthi militias on the territory of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They reiterated the Republic of Yemen’s full solidarity with the Kingdom and its legitimate right to protect its security, citizens, and national resources.

Interconnected Security

The council stated that using Yemeni territory to launch attacks on the Kingdom also constitutes an aggression against the interests of the Yemeni people. They emphasized that the security of Yemen and the Kingdom is interconnected. The strategic partnership between the two countries, along with Saudi support for the Yemeni state and people, economic stability, humanitarian assistance, and development, makes protecting this relationship and the interests of both peoples an essential responsibility of the Yemeni state.

Community Support for Armed Forces

The council praised the widespread public support for the armed forces, community, tribal, and humanitarian initiatives to assist fighters, aid displaced individuals, and care for the families of martyrs and the wounded. They valued the responsible positions of political and social forces, intellectual and awareness platforms, media, and national elites that contributed to enhancing trust in the state and its armed forces and unifying the internal front.

Call to Tribal Members

The council renewed its call to tribal members and those misled in militia-controlled areas to refrain from involving their children in a war that does not serve the interests of Yemenis. They urged them to protect their youth from becoming fuel for a cross-border armed project. They called on those still within the militias to return to the right path and align with their people and state.

Tribute to Martyrs

The council expressed condolences for the souls of the martyrs from the armed forces, security, and all military formations, as well as civilians who fell victim to Houthi attacks. They wished a speedy recovery for the wounded and directed the government and relevant authorities to continue caring for the families of martyrs, fulfilling their rights, providing the best treatment and care for the injured, and intensifying humanitarian and relief interventions to shelter and assist displaced and affected families. They regarded this as a constitutional and moral duty that cannot be delayed or neglected.

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