Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi said attacks on Houthi command and control centers and gathering areas on the front lines would continue.
Al-Alimi made the remarks on military developments in Yemen and maritime security during a meeting with Nils Polter, secretary-general of Germany’s Defense Ministry, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Attacks against the Houthis will continue
Al-Alimi said the Houthis’ latest escalation against cities, ports and civilian facilities aimed to test the will of the Yemeni state and to reinstate a policy of pressure after years of calm supported by the international community.
Al-Alimi assessed the attacks on the cities of Al-Mukha and Marib within the same framework and described the actions as terrorist attacks.
Al-Alimi said Yemen’s armed forces had a high level of readiness and capability, adding that attacks would continue against various fronts where Houthi command and control centers, gathering areas and personnel were located.
Call for cooperation against arms smuggling
Al-Alimi called on the international community to play a more active role in monitoring networks involved in smuggling weapons, parts and technology that could be used for military purposes.
The Yemeni leader also called for tighter measures against individuals and organizations accused of financing and arming the Houthis. Al-Alimi urged stronger international cooperation to prevent this capability from reaching armed groups.
Support sought for the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab
Al-Alimi called for support to strengthen the Yemeni government’s capacity to protect the security of the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and sovereign ports.
Al-Alimi said the security of maritime transport corridors could not be ensured sustainably solely by deploying an international naval force, adding that lasting security depended on strengthening the Yemeni state’s control over its coasts and territorial waters.
Fighting has intensified since early July
Fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis has intensified again since early July. Clashes have also taken place in Al-Jawf in the north and Al-Dhale and Taiz in the southwest, in addition to Marib.
A period of calm had prevailed in Yemen since April 2022 within the war that began approximately 12 years ago. The Houthis have controlled various cities and provinces, including the capital, Sanaa, since September 21, 2014.
The Saudi-led coalition supports Yemeni government forces. The Houthis have been accused of receiving support from Iran, while the group announced in July that it had imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
