The Yemeni government has asserted that the actions undertaken by the Saudi-led coalition in response to Houthi escalation are in accordance with international law. The government reiterated its commitment to continued coordination with the coalition and international partners to safeguard international navigation and restore state institutions.
Prime Minister Shaye' al-Zindani stated during a cabinet meeting in Aden that the government will maintain close collaboration with the coalition and the international community to protect maritime routes, preserve Yemen's sovereignty, and advance efforts to restore the state and end the Houthi coup. He emphasized that the Houthi militia's persistent targeting of commercial vessels and threats to navigation in the Red Sea not only impact regional and international security but also exacerbate the economic and humanitarian conditions within Yemen.
Al-Zindani highlighted that these attacks reveal the group's determination to implement an Iranian agenda at the expense of Yemeni interests and opportunities for peace and stability. He renewed the government's appreciation for Saudi Arabia's support, commending its role in bolstering the Yemeni economy and enhancing the government's capacity to meet its obligations, alongside its efforts to promote stability and security in Yemen and the region.
The Prime Minister also noted that, under the directives of the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, the government is updating response plans and enhancing readiness to address potential developments. This initiative aims to maintain economic and living stability and mitigate the repercussions of Houthi escalation on citizens. The cabinet was briefed on the action plan of the governmental crisis management committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, which seeks to coordinate government efforts and increase the preparedness of state institutions to confront any potential escalation or crisis.
The meeting also discussed governmental response plans for various scenarios to ensure market stability, continuous import flow, and the securing of strategic reserves of essential goods, food, and fuel, given the ongoing threats posed by Houthi attacks on international navigation and trade. Al-Zindani underscored that protecting economic security and ensuring citizens' needs are paramount priorities for the government during this phase. He stressed that coordination with the coalition and the international community will continue to confront challenges arising from Houthi escalation and maintain security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
