Saudi Arabia reaffirms full support for Yemen government against Houthis
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reaffirmed its “full support” for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and internationally recognized government in their campaign to end Houthi control and restore state institutions, according to a statement following a cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Saudi cabinet accused the Iran-backed Houthi militia of choosing military escalation over peace and of deepening the humanitarian and economic suffering of the Yemeni people.
It also accused the militia of continuing to threaten regional security and maritime navigation in the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The statement comes after Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad al-Alimi announced on Sunday the start of a major military campaign aimed at retaking all remaining territory under Houthi control.
Yemen’s armed forces subsequently announced what they described as a “battle of liberation” to restore state institutions and sovereignty across the country.
Government forces have since reported advances on several fronts, including the recapture of the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha following fierce clashes and with air support.
The Saudi-led coalition has pledged to continue supporting the Yemeni government and its armed forces. Coalition spokesman Brig. Gen. Turki al-Malki said over the weekend that Riyadh would stand with Yemen until the state and its institutions were restored.
Cabinet backs Mecca Defense Alliance decisions
The Saudi cabinet also welcomed the outcome of Monday’s emergency meeting of the Mecca Defense Alliance’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee, which brought together Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan amid recent attacks against the Kingdom.
The cabinet praised the three countries’ solidarity and their commitment to stand together against attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including attempts to strike Mecca and Medina as well as civilian and economic facilities.
The three countries agreed at the meeting to activate collective deterrence and move immediately toward the practical implementation of their joint defense commitments.
Those measures include taking steps to provide agreed military forces and capabilities and rapidly deploy them in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of strengthening military readiness, integration and the countries’ collective ability to confront threats.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said following Monday’s meeting that the three countries stood “as one” against attacks targeting the Kingdom and its holy sites and would activate collective deterrence against the attacks and “all those behind them.”
The developments come amid a sharp escalation with the Houthis, with Saudi authorities reporting a series of missile and drone attacks against the Kingdom in recent weeks.
