Ankara: The chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council announced that the government is not seeking a new truce with the Houthis, emphasizing the need for enduring peace founded on a state with exclusive control over weapons and sovereignty.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rashad al-Alimi, speaking at a meeting with media leaders and representatives, highlighted Yemen's past experiences, noting that previous truces have enabled the Houthis to enhance their military capabilities, leading to renewed conflict. Al-Alimi stated, "We are not for a new truce that reproduces previous experiences," and called for "lasting and sustainable peace" anchored on a state that monopolizes weapons and sovereignty, a universally applied constitution, equality among citizens, and institutions that serve the populace rather than govern them.
Al-Alimi articulated the government's conclusion that the Houthis represent "a project of war and destruction, not a project of peace." He emphasized that the group's actions have dispelled "international illusions" regarding the Houthis as a peace initiative, linking them to an Iranian project dating back to the 1980s aimed at controlling the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
He remarked on the international community's shift in focus from accommodating the Houthis to safeguarding Yemen, the region, and international waterways. "The Yemeni government, the regional community, and the international community are now moving in one direction: How do we protect Yemenis first, international navigation, the region, and international peace and security?" he asserted.
Al-Alimi highlighted the government's evolved stance, pointing to increased domestic unity, a cohesive political and military front, growing public backing, and "a major regional and international shift in understanding the Houthi threat." He affirmed, "There will be no action by the Houthi militias from now on without a response or comprehensive deterrence."
He further stated that Yemen's armed forces now operate under a unified command, prepared to defend Yemenis, their facilities, and national institutions. "Our strategic objective is to restore state institutions and bring down the (Houthi) coup," he declared.
Since 2022, Yemen had seen a relative decrease in fighting between government forces and the Houthis, but recent unprecedented clashes resumed last month, resulting in numerous casualties. The conflicting sides have yet to reach a comprehensive political resolution to end the ongoing conflict. The war has severely impacted Yemen's economy and infrastructure, causing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The UN continues to advocate for a political process to resolve the conflict.