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Yemen’s Presidential Council Chairman Calls for Nationwide Mobilization Against Houthis
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Mobilization Call by Rashad al-Alimi
In a televised address on Friday, Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Council, urged all Yemeni citizens to enlist in the armed forces and support security units in the fight against the Iran-backed Houthi militia. He framed the appeal as a “general mobilization and national mobilization” aimed at reclaiming territory held by the rebels and ending what he described as a “long chapter of suffering.”
Context of the Conflict
Yemen’s civil war, which began in 2014, pits the internationally recognized government—backed by a Saudi-led coalition—against the Houthi movement that controls large swaths of the north and west. Recent months have seen an uptick in Houthi missile and drone attacks on coalition-backed positions, prompting renewed calls from government officials for broader public participation in the war effort.
Official Statements & Responses
Al-Alimi condemned the Houthis as a “terrorist militia” and blamed their recent escalation on a strategy that favors force over dialogue. He argued that past concessions to militias have only allowed them to reorganize and launch further attacks. The chairman thanked Saudi Arabia for its continued backing of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, emphasizing that Saudi support is essential for any effort to retake Houthi-controlled areas and restore security. He portrayed the campaign as not only a Yemeni concern but also a regional priority, urging the population to become “building blocks” for a reconciled Yemen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I call upon the sons of our great people to engage in general mobilization and national mobilization, to rally around their armed and security forces, to join their ranks through official channels, and to contribute in every way possible,” — Alimi
- “Experience has proven that making concessions to militias does not lead to peace, but rather gives them an opportunity to reorganize their ranks and prepare for a new round of escalation,” — Alimi
Regional Implications
Al-Alimi’s mobilization plea underscores the coalition’s reliance on domestic manpower to sustain its military push. By framing the conflict as a threat to regional stability, the statement seeks to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s strategic interest in a Yemen free of Houthi influence. The call for widespread enlistment may also signal an attempt to broaden the government’s legitimacy amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.