{
  "id": 8048665,
  "title": "Yemeni leader says armed forces can regain initiative on western coast",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/yemeni-leader-says-armed-forces-can-regain-initiative-on-western-coast",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T15:36:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/world/33uc7b4lv"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Yemen's President Rashad Al-Alimi has declared that the country's armed forces possess the capacity to regain control on the western coast. The President emphasized that temporary military changes will not impact the nation's overarching objectives of restoring institutions, alleviating suffering, and countering the Houthi militia's threat to global peace and security. During a meeting with the departing French Ambassador to Yemen, Catherine Corm-Kamon, Al-Alimi explained that military operations across various fronts, including Taiz, Marib, Lahj, Al-Jawf, Hajjah, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale, and other regions, have resulted in significant losses for the Houthi militias. The President highlighted that these operations are concurrent with the redeployment of forces and the enhancement of their capability to regain the initiative, thereby preventing temporary gains from becoming permanent or posing a threat to maritime routes. Al-Alimi reiterated that the Yemeni state has consistently transformed crises into opportunities, citing past instances where the militias had triumphed over the state only to be subsequently overthrown. He emphasized that the ongoing struggle now entails the restoration of state institutions, securing national territory and coasts, and safeguarding territorial waters against armed threats and smuggling networks. Al-Alimi stressed that a robust Yemeni state is not merely a national priority but an essential element of regional and international security. He urged a transformation in the relationship between the Yemeni government and its international partners, transitioning from crisis management to a strategic alliance focusing on security and deterrence. This partnership would involve fortifying state capacities, protecting ports and territorial waters, combating terrorism and smuggling, and obstructing financial and arms support to extremist groups. On the diplomatic front, Al-Alimi expressed gratitude for Ambassador Catherine Corm-Kamon's efforts in enhancing Yemen-France relations and wished her well in her future endeavors. He also thanked France for its unwavering support for the Yemeni people and their pursuit to end suffering and restore state institutions, commending France's resolute opposition to Houthi escalation and its insistence on preventing the arming and funding of the Houthi militia, and affirming that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and international straits remains non-negotiable.",
  "summary": "Yemen’s President Rashad Al-Alimi affirms military’s ability to retake initiative on the western coast, stressing temporary field changes will not alter national goals.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}