Yemeni army warns of Houthi attempts to spark war

The Yemeni military has warned of the continued mobilization and willingness of Iran-backed Houthi militias to revive the war.

Spokesman of the Armed Forces of Yemen Brig. General Abdo Majali told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Houthis have fired artillery and drones at residential areas and military positions on several fronts.

He interpreted the actions as part of the militias’ preparations to return to war, accusing them of abandoning “all regional and international efforts to end the conflict in Yemen and achieve peace.”

Defense Minister Mohsen Al-Daeri had previously told Asharq Al-Awsat that war could break out at any time, stressing that the armed forces were “ready for all options.”

Observers interpreted the Houthi preparations and statements by its senior leadership as a reflection of their concerns about the legitimate Yemeni army launching a military campaign – with international support – to liberate Hodeidah and its ports.

The theory is supported by the Houthis’ mobilization of reinforcements into areas under their control in Hodeidah.

Majali stressed that the armed forces are at the “highest level of combat readiness and their morale is high.”

“Comprehensive strategies are available to liberate the nation from Houthi terrorist crimes and violations against our Yemeni people,” he stated.

Since the Houthis began attacking international shipping in the Red Sea, the legitimate Yemeni government has been calling on the international community to support its forces for months.

The end of Houthi attacks on international shipping lies in supporting the government, not Western attacks on the militias, the country has repeatedly reiterated.

Majali said the Houthis continued their violations against the population in several regions, especially in Taiz, Dhale and Marib.

The main objective of the armed forces is the liberation of the nation, starting with Sanaa, Hodeidah and Hajjah, he added, saying the Houthi’s “demise is near.”