Yemen Leader Firm on No Compromises with Houthis, Cautions on Terrorism Potential

Yemen Leader Firm on No Compromises with Houthis, Cautions on Terrorism Potential

Leader of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Rashad al-Alimi, has issued a stern warning against the reversion of the country to a state of “slavery” under the Houthi group. This warning comes at a time when the Houthi group, which controls northern Yemen, is flaunting its military prowess, boasting about the capabilities of its missiles and drones to threaten all parts of Yemen and its neighboring regions. Al-Alimi made these remarks during the UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

No Further Compromises

Al-Alimi expressed his determination that there will be no further compromises with the Houthi group and expressed his skepticism about the group’s intentions, which he believes could be predicted for decades to come. He emphasized the necessity for long-lasting peace that is founded on established agreements and voiced his concern about his country potentially becoming a hub for exporting terrorism.

Re-Initiation of Saudi and Omani Efforts

Al-Alimi expressed his renewed optimism with the re-initiation of Saudi and Omani efforts to make the Houthi group respect the popular, regional, and international will. He stressed that any sustainable peace initiatives should involve a broad partnership without discrimination or exclusion, with the aim of establishing a brighter future for Yemen.

Caution Against Leniency

Al-Alimi cautioned that any leniency from the international community, or compromising the state’s legal status, or even treating militias as an established authority, would inevitably make the suppression and violation of public freedoms a norm. He further highlighted the group’s disregard for previous deals, such as the Stockholm Agreement.

The Yemeni leader has issued a strong warning against the influence of the Houthis, stating that the country should not make any new compromises with them. He called for a sustainable peace based on established agreements and expressed concern about Yemen becoming a hub for terrorism. He also noted that the Houthi group has shown a disregard for previous agreements.

Failed Ceasefire and Continued Struggles

The tensions in Yemen eased and humanitarian conditions improved with a UN mediated cease-fire in 2022, but the combatants failed to renew the deal after six months. This failure has reignited the conflict, leading to more civilian suffering and displacement. The Yemeni civil war has been ongoing for seven years, and many analysts view the fighting as a proxy war. The Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran and overthrew the Yemeni government, are pitted against a multinational coalition led by Saudi Arabia. The conflict has displaced more than four million people and given rise to cholera outbreaks, medicine shortages, and threats of famine.