Accra:The military operation against the Houthis will persist until their coup is dismantled and state institutions are reinstated, declared Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council. His statement came during a speech commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the October 14, 1963 revolution, which resulted in Yemeni independence.
According to Anadolu Agency, al-Alimi emphasized that the 'Dawn of Yemen' operation is progressing towards its ultimate goal of ending the coup by Iranian-backed Houthis, restoring state institutions, and ensuring that decisions on war and peace are exclusively managed by constitutional bodies. He stressed that the decision to continue this operation is irrevocable despite the sacrifices involved.
Al-Alimi stated that the operation commenced after all possibilities for de-escalation were exhausted, accusing the Houthis of persisting in warfare and expanding attacks on cities, villages, neighboring countries, and international waterways. He affirmed that the operation aims to restore state institutions, protect citizens, and prevent any armed group from overriding the popular will or posing threats to neighboring countries and international shipping routes.
Focusing on the province of Taiz, al-Alimi pledged the state’s commitment to protect the province, reopen its roads, and alleviate residents' suffering. He instructed government and local authorities to mobilize resources to meet urgent humanitarian needs, provide food and medicine, assist displaced people and affected families, and secure vital roads.
Addressing residents in Houthi-controlled areas, al-Alimi reassured them that they are not targets of the operation, emphasizing their security, rights, and dignity as key motivations. He urged them to protect their children from recruitment campaigns, avoid military sites, and take advantage of safe-return and amnesty measures.
Al-Alimi condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, notably the strike on King Khalid International Airport, which resulted in civilian casualties. He criticized attacks on civilian and vital facilities, highlighting that Saudi Arabia's security is closely linked to Yemen's security. He expressed gratitude to Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their ongoing support to Yemen’s institutions and economy.
This statement is part of a military escalation that began in July, marking the most significant increase in hostilities since a UN-brokered truce in 2022. Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since the Houthis seized Sanaa and other regions in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government.