Yemen’s Presidential Council chairman, Rashad al-Alimi, called on the Yemeni people to mobilize and join Yemen’s armed forces to combat the Iran-backed Houthis in a speech on Friday.
“I call upon the sons of our great people to engage in general mobilization and national mobilization, to rally around their armed and security forces, to join their ranks through official channels, and to contribute in every way possible,” Alimi stated, calling for the Yemeni people to “rid [the] country of the terrorist Houthi militia.”
He decried the recent uptick in Houthi attacks as a “dangerous escalation” caused by the terrorist group choosing to act with force and weapons instead of pursuing dialogue and peace.
“Experience has proven that making concessions to militias does not lead to peace, but rather gives them an opportunity to reorganize their ranks and prepare for a new round of escalation,” Alimi continued.
He blamed the Iran-backed terrorists for perpetuating a cycle of war, dragging the Yemeni people into futile conflicts, marginalizing Yemeni tribes, and hindering all opportunities for the country to recover.
Alimi calls for Yemen to retake Houthi-conquered territory, thanks Saudi Arabia for support
Alimi added that the goal of Yemen’s armed forces is to regain territory controlled by the Houthis and restore safety and security, describing the fight against the Houthis as an interest for the region as a whole.
He thanked Saudi Arabia for its backing of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen and support in efforts to combat the Houthis, reaffirming Yemen’s commitment to continued cooperation with the Saudis.
“It is time for this long chapter of suffering to end, and for the Yemeni family to regain its security, tranquility, and normal life,” Alimi urged. “Every young person who is saved today from the project of this terrorist group is a building block in the construction of a new Yemen that is reconciled with itself, its neighbors, and the international community.”
Alimi also announced that, in the interest of putting a complete stop to the war, any Houthi terrorists who defect from the group and stop fighting will receive full amnesty, starting on September 26.