Restoring control of Sanaa and the state is the prerequisite for securing the Bab al-Mandab strait and ensuring global maritime navigation, according to a senior Yemeni official. The official emphasized that Yemen's priority is its own sovereignty and national interests, rather than acting as a mercenary force for international shipping.
The assertion was made by a high-ranking figure, identified as a team leader, who stated that securing the strategic waterway requires the recapture of Sanaa, the liberation of Hodeidah, and the cleansing of Saada. This position was echoed by another prominent figure, Abdullah Al-Alimi, who stressed that maritime security is contingent upon eliminating the Houthi threat on land.
This clear stance from the deputy chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council signifies a definitive position from the entire leadership, including the president and his deputies, refuting the notion of mere impulsive declarations. The official articulated that Yemen is not a mercenary entity, nor a private security force hired to protect global trade, energy transport, and vessels. Instead, the international community's focus on securing passage through Yemeni territory for its interests should be balanced with a commitment to Yemen's own territorial integrity and statehood.
The official further contended that global powers have historically prioritized their commercial and energy interests, often at the expense of Yemen's own stability. The past events in Hodeidah were cited as an example of this imbalance. The core message conveyed is that Yemen's cause and national interests must come first, followed by global interests. Securing maritime navigation is intrinsically linked to the restoration of the Yemeni state, its institutions, and the dismantling of sectarian and tribal dominance.
The statement also critiqued the international community's approach, suggesting a lack of genuine engagement in combating threats such as piracy and smuggling. It highlighted instances where international naval forces allegedly confined their actions to escorting commercial vessels without confronting immediate dangers or addressing the root causes of these threats. The official called for rejecting the commodification of Yemen's cause and insisted on setting non-negotiable terms for cooperation.
Support and aid from the international community should be viewed as a reciprocal exchange of interests and benefits, not as a charitable donation. A nation that guarantees global navigation, oil, and trade for decades deserves a fair partnership and recognition for its role, especially when it is a sovereign state led by its people.
