Yemen's National Defense Council Approves General Mobilization, Warns Citizens Against Houthi Military Sites

Yemen's National Defense Council has issued a stern warning to citizens in Houthi-controlled areas, advising them to stay clear of militia military camps, weapons depots, missile launch sites, command centers, troop concentrations, and supply lines. This advisory coincides with the council's approval of executive measures for general mobilization.

During a meeting on Tuesday, the council adopted directives and executive procedures for general mobilization, emphasizing the need to institutionalize these efforts in a disciplined manner, in accordance with the constitution and applicable laws. The council lauded the Parliament's approval of the general mobilization declaration.

The meeting addressed matters pertaining to general mobilization, safe returns, the continuation of essential services, and humanitarian responses for displaced persons and those affected by the military escalation, amid intensifying clashes on multiple fronts. The council commended the cohesion, operational efficiency, and deterrent capabilities of the armed forces, military formations, and popular resistance, noting their success in regaining the initiative and inflicting significant losses on Houthi militia forces and equipment through coordinated military operations.

The armed forces affirmed their commitment to their constitutional and legal responsibilities in protecting citizens and deterring threats, with the ultimate goal of restoring state institutions and asserting sovereignty over all Yemeni territories. The council reiterated its call for citizens in Houthi-controlled areas to maintain a safe distance from militia military installations and infrastructure, warning against the use of civilian areas and facilities for military purposes to safeguard civilian lives.

Furthermore, the council urged citizens to cooperate with state institutions and security agencies by reporting any military movements, troop buildups, or activities that threaten public safety and regional stability through official channels. The council also cautioned against the Houthi militia's use of advanced military technologies, including air defense systems and cruise missiles, deeming it an expansion of the threat to air navigation routes in Yemen and the region, and a danger to civilian aircraft and humanitarian flights. An international stance was called for to prevent the delivery of weapons and military expertise to the group.

The council underscored the state's and its armed forces' unwavering commitment to civilian protection. Measures will continue to be implemented to safeguard the population and civilian infrastructure, with enhanced coordination among military and security agencies, local authorities, civil defense, and humanitarian organizations. The council stressed the ongoing support for the families of martyrs and the wounded, and the provision of assistance to displaced persons and families uprooted by the conflict, appealing to international organizations and donors for increased humanitarian support.

The National Defense Council reaffirmed that pathways for safe return remain open, and that the state is resolute in protecting its citizens and reclaiming its institutions, within the legal framework announced by the authorities concurrently with the general mobilization.