The head of Yemen’s ruling body has called for a general mobilisation to counter the Iran-backed Houthis, who are intensifying attacks on both government forces and their Saudi allies. This appeal follows a significant setback for Yemen’s fragmented government, as the Houthis took control of the entire Red Sea coast and continue to clash with government forces while targeting Saudi vessels and territory.
Rashid al-Alimi, chair of the Presidential Leadership Council and Supreme Commander of the Yemeni Armed Forces, urged citizens to rally around their military and security forces, stressing the need for national unity. He announced an upcoming amnesty for any Houthis willing to defect to the government’s side.
This weekend saw the Houthis launch their first attack on Riyadh in years, representing a notable escalation in hostilities. In response, military chiefs from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan convened to discuss support for Riyadh amidst the growing threat from the Houthis.
Both Yemen and Saudi Arabia are seeking international assistance, with Alimi reportedly asking US President Donald Trump for support against the Houthis, although Trump has not committed to military aid. The New York Times noted that the Saudi crown prince reached out to Trump over the weekend, seeking assistance once again.
Since July, the Houthis have renewed hostilities, ending a long-standing truce and declaring a maritime blockade, which has disrupted Saudi oil exports and allowed them to seize control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast. The civil conflict in Yemen began in 2014 after the Houthis took the capital, Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene the following year in support of the government. The Houthis currently dominate much of northern Yemen, while the government remains exiled in Aden, its declared temporary capital.
