Houthi attacks in Yemen kill four government troops, say sources

Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad Al-Alimi revealed that the Mokha port attack exemplifies the Houthis' systematic targeting of Yemen's resources. In a meeting with US chargé d'affaires Neil Hop, Al-Alimi stated that the attack, along with recent assaults on military sites, displaced people's camps, civilian facilities, and attempts to strike ships and national infrastructure, underscores the Houthi militia's campaign against Yemen's economic gateways and lifelines.

Al-Alimi noted that the Houthis, who claim a blockade around their controlled areas, are now targeting ports, airports, and economic facilities, threatening commercial vessels and the supply of food and fuel, aiming to exacerbate the Yemeni people's humanitarian crisis. He emphasized that the attack on the vital seaport near Bab Al-Mandab is part of an Iranian escalation targeting economic infrastructure, maritime routes, and regional interests, stressing the need for the international community, particularly the US, to protect Yemenis' access to ports, airports, and critical infrastructure.

Al-Alimi warned that any agreement not addressing the threat from Iranian-backed militias will only delay, not resolve, the crisis. He stressed that consolidated security in the region requires armed groups to relinquish their cross-border capabilities, and protecting civilian and economic infrastructure and maritime routes is a shared responsibility.

Al-Alimi recalled the Yemeni government's long-standing concessions for citizens' well-being, while the militias persist in developing their military, threatening cities and sea lanes, undermining state institutions, and aligning with Iran's agenda, not seeking peace but using it as a tool for repositioning. He insisted that the Houthis should not be rewarded with blackmail after failing to achieve their goals by force, and that any regional deals must lead to states with exclusive control over legitimate forces and constitutional institutions that represent all citizens.

He concluded that the recent developments confirm the state institutions and armed forces' growing capability and cohesion, and that continued attacks will face political and military consequences.