Full Breakdown
Yemen’s Leader Calls for General Mobilization as Government Launches Counteroffensive to Reclaim Lost Territory
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Nationwide Call for Mobilization
In a televised address, Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Riyadh-based Presidential Leadership Council and Supreme Commander of the Yemeni Armed Forces, urged all Yemenis to join the government’s forces to confront the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. He framed the appeal as a “general mobilization and national mobilization” aimed at restoring state institutions, extending sovereignty over the entire national territory, and ending the “terrorist Houthi militia” that has seized the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab strait. Al-Alimi also announced an upcoming amnesty for any combatant who defects from the Houthis to government forces.
Background & Context
The call follows a recent “lightning offensive” by the Houthis that captured Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline, giving them full control of the Bab al-Mandab strait—a chokepoint for global shipping. The offensive marks a sharp escalation after a 2022 truce had largely frozen fighting. The Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and declared a maritime blockade, raising concerns about oil export routes.
Military Counteroffensives in Taiz
Government forces have begun limited counter-attacks in the mountainous Taiz region, targeting key heights that dominate routes to the strait. Reports indicate the seizure of Mount Qarafan and Mount Zalat, with five Houthi fighters killed and 20 injured in one operation. Analysts say the moves aim to halt Houthi expansion on the coast and regain positions that protect communication routes to Lahj and Aden.
Diplomatic Push at the United Nations
Yemen’s delegation, led by Presidential Leadership Council member Abdullah al-Alimi, is seeking broader international support at the United Nations General Assembly. Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba called for the disarmament of non-state armed groups, while Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reaffirmed backing for a comprehensive political resolution. Other leaders, including Ireland’s representative, highlighted concerns over humanitarian conditions and freedom of navigation through Bab al-Mandab.
Humanitarian Impact
The renewed hostilities have displaced approximately 132,000 people, with 75,000 displaced in Taiz alone, according to the International Organization for Migration. The displacement underscores the growing civilian toll as fighting concentrates on strategic high ground.
Official Statements & Responses
Al-Alimi pledged a pardon for defectors and thanked Saudi Arabia for its continued military backing. Saudi officials have affirmed air-defence interceptions of Houthi missiles targeting Riyadh and have pledged ongoing support for Yemeni forces. The United States was reportedly approached for assistance, though no new military commitment was confirmed.
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,” — Al-Alimi
- “Partially and tactically, the Yemeni Armed Forces stopped part of the Houthi rush seeking to secure and stabilise expansion on the coast, and moved to limited counter-attacks in the Taiz-Lahj [region] … while regaining dominant heights and positions,” — Ibrahim Jalal, analyst
What’s Next
Al-Alimi is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly later this week, where he is expected to outline further diplomatic initiatives and request additional international assistance to counter the Houthi advances.