Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Launches Military Operations to Reclaim State Institutions

Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, announced on Sunday the commencement of military operations aimed at reclaiming the remaining territories of the Republic of Yemen and re-establishing state authority and institutions across the entire nation. He emphasized the transition from a phase of preparation to active engagement, having exhausted all avenues for de-escalation.

In a statement addressed to the Yemeni people, Al-Alimi declared that he had issued directives to the armed forces, security apparatus, and all military formations to begin executing their missions according to approved plans, with the objective of liberating the country from the control of the Houthi terrorist militia. Al-Alimi explained that the decision to launch operations followed ample time and opportunities granted to the peace process, which the Houthi militia countered with continued mobilization, escalation, and expansion of their attacks and threats against civilians, national facilities, neighboring countries, and international shipping lanes.

He further stated that the state is now assuming its national responsibility to confront the militia, particularly in light of weapons remaining outside state control and posing a threat to citizen security, national sovereignty, regional stability, and international navigation routes. The Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council stressed that these military operations are not a war against the residents of Sana'a, Sa'dah, Hodeidah, Amran, Dhamar, Ibb, or any other governorate, nor are they directed against any sect or tribe. Instead, he defined it as "the state's battle for its citizens and the restoration of its institutions."

Al-Alimi urged citizens in areas under Houthi control to stay away from military sites, gatherings, and supply routes, and to protect their children from being conscripted into combat. He reiterated the state's commitment to a safe return and the announced amnesty for all who lay down their arms and cease fighting for the militia, in accordance with established procedures. He directed the armed forces, security, military formations, and popular resistance to adhere to the law, protect civilians and property, emphasizing that the mission is not merely to reclaim land but to restore the state to its rightful place.

He affirmed that the recovery of cities must be accompanied by the return of state institutions and services, stressing the imperative to avoid revenge or harm to innocents and their property. Al-Alimi also confirmed the commitment of the Presidential Leadership Council and the government to the outcomes of the Southern-Southern dialogue sponsored by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which aims to ensure a just and comprehensive solution to the Southern issue. Concurrently with the military operations, he announced that the government has been directed to prepare a synchronized action plan to ensure state institutions resume their responsibilities in every city, district, and governorate that is liberated.

Priorities outlined in the statement include the resumption of salary payments to state employees, addressing their outstanding dues retroactively, launching an urgent recovery and reconstruction program, repairing damaged roads, electricity, water infrastructure, and creating conditions for the return of displaced persons and the revival of economic activity. He emphasized that the success of the battle will not be measured by the number of cities recaptured, but by the return of security, stability, and services to the citizens. Al-Alimi expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its support to Yemen and its state institutions, calling upon brethren, friends, and the international community to stand with Yemen, its armed forces, and its national institutions, and to support humanitarian and economic efforts and recovery and reconstruction programs.

He declared that the military, security, and civilian state institutions would be on full alert until the mission is accomplished, asserting that the new phase aims to reclaim land and institutions and restore weapons to their rightful place under the rule of law.