Sheikh Sultan Al-Arada, the Governor of Marib and a member of the Presidential Leadership Council, has strongly criticized attempts to exploit the 1 billion Yemeni Rial donation from Taiz's National Resistance leader, Major General Tarek Saleh, meant for wounded individuals in Marib. He stated that this humanitarian contribution has been deliberately manipulated to incite political disputes and create division, despite its inherently national and humanitarian purpose.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Al-Arada revealed that certain factions sought to misappropriate the initiative for negative purposes. He emphasized that such practices necessitate a serious reconsideration of public stances and discourse, particularly in light of the significant challenges confronting the nation.
Al-Arada urged the youth and activists to exercise national responsibility and uphold societal values, asserting that political differences will not succeed in fracturing the relationships among anti-Houthi forces. He declared, "No one can divide us as comrades-in-arms, regardless of differing political visions or varied interpretations."
He reaffirmed that the restoration of the Yemeni state remains the unifying objective for all national forces. Al-Arada stressed that unity and prioritizing the national interest are essential prerequisites for achieving this goal and alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Furthermore, Al-Arada commended the support extended by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Yemen across various sectors, acknowledging its role in backing the Yemeni legitimacy politically, developmentally, and militarily. He attributed the country's escalating crises to the Houthi group's engagement in regional conflicts.
Regarding military matters, Al-Arada indicated that efforts to unify military formations have achieved tangible progress through the joint operations system and military committees. He confirmed the continuation of work to enhance coordination among different military units under state command.
The Presidential Leadership Council member called upon various Yemeni elites to learn from the years of conflict and conduct sincere reviews of past positions. He noted that political disagreements and infighting have been primary factors contributing to the complexity of the Yemeni landscape and prolonging the crisis.
