Yemen's Defense Minister Tahir al-Ukayli announced that military readiness against the Iran-backed Houthis has reached its peak. In a statement published on the Defense Ministry's 'September Net' website, he said: "Our armed forces are at the highest level of combat and morale readiness to end the Houthi coup, which has caused our people great suffering, and to wage the fight for freedom."
Minister al-Ukayli also addressed Yemeni families living in Houthi-controlled areas, urging them to protect their children and not to send them into a "losing war waged by the mercenaries of the Iranian regime."
Clashes between government forces and the Houthis had resumed in some areas of Yemen. Following these developments, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi also called on the people, tribes, and national forces to rally around the armed forces to "restore state institutions and end the Houthi coup."
The Yemeni government also announced its support for Saudi Arabia, which the Houthis declared they would subject to a "naval blockade." Iran-backed Houthis had previously declared they were beginning a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. Riyadh condemned the move and announced it would take all necessary measures to protect its ships in accordance with international law.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthis have controlled the capital Sanaa and some regions since September 2014. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition has been supporting the Yemeni government against the Houthis since March 2015.