London – Saba News Agency:
Member of the Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi, said that “the Houthi terrorist militia has transformed from merely an internal threat into a regional and international threat to global security and the world economy.”
In a statement to the British newspaper The Guardian, Al-Alimi described Iranian flights to Yemen as an unacceptable violation of the country’s sovereignty, noting that the aircraft were carrying Iranian experts for the Houthi militia and were not involved in any humanitarian mission whatsoever.
He pointed to the current weakness facing the Houthi militia, in contrast to their previous situation, attributing this to several internal and external factors, including the weakening of Iran, which has supported them for a long time.
He added: “Therefore, it is realistic that we can end their coup, restore the state and its institutions, contribute to the security and stability of the region and the world, secure maritime routes, and protect the global economy.”
The member of the Presidential Leadership Council also highlighted the Houthis’ hardline stance toward repeated negotiation efforts, saying: “We have tried repeatedly to negotiate with the Houthis, but this has achieved nothing. However, there has been a strategic change in the impact of the Houthis. They are no longer only an internal threat; they have also become a regional and international threat due to their threats to maritime routes in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.”
He stressed that any understanding with the Houthis must be based on recognition of the necessity for the state to have a monopoly over weapons and the need for the legitimate government to restore state institutions. He reiterated that the government would continue to extend the hand of peace until the last moment and that it is prepared if the Houthis impose war.
During his remarks, Al-Alimi also addressed the impact of Houthi attacks on oil export facilities, explaining that these attacks have placed severe pressure on the government’s budget, including its ability to pay civil servants’ salaries. He said that without Saudi support, the government would not have been able to meet its salary obligations.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi also spoke about the status of the Presidential Leadership Council after January 2026, affirming that it has become more cohesive and unified.
He added that those who were part of the dissolved Southern Transitional Council have remained present within various state structures, beginning with the Presidential Leadership Council and extending to the government, governorates, and other institutions.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi renewed his emphasis on the depth of Yemeni-Saudi relations, saying: “We share a 1,200-kilometre border with Saudi Arabia, deep historical and cultural ties, and a common destiny between the two countries.” He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the Yemeni people in humanitarian, economic, developmental, and political fields.
