Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Official Web Site
Aden – Saba News Agency
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba has affirmed that ending the coup, restoring Yemen’s state institutions, and reasserting the state’s sovereignty over its territory, waters and airspace are essential to ensuring the security and stability of Yemen and the wider region, as well as safeguarding international maritime navigation.
She called for concrete international support to enable the Yemeni state to protect its citizens and cut off the terrorist Houthi militia’s sources of funding and supplies.
The remarks came during a virtual media briefing with representatives of leading American and international media outlets, which addressed the latest developments in Yemen, the objectives of Operation “Dawn of Yemen,” the Houthi escalation and its regional and international repercussions, the political process, and the humanitarian response.
The Minister said that Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport and other airports and cities in Saudi Arabia, as well as Aden International Airport, alongside the siege and shelling of Taiz and attacks on civilians in Marib, Lahj and other governorates, demonstrate that the threat posed by the militia extends beyond Yemen to regional and global security.
She stressed that safeguarding maritime navigation cannot be achieved through measures at sea alone, but also requires restoring state sovereignty and empowering its institutions.
Al-Zouba affirmed that Operation “Dawn of Yemen” is being conducted under a Yemeni decision by Yemeni forces operating under a unified command, with air support from the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen. The operation aims to restore state authority, protect civilians, secure international maritime navigation, and create the conditions for a sustainable settlement.
She emphasised that Yemen is not asking its partners to fight on behalf of its people, but rather to support the state in restoring its institutions and fulfilling its responsibilities.
On the political front, Al-Zouba said the government “has not abandoned peace, but the illusion of peace,” explaining that political processes which fail to address the root causes of the war merely provide the militia with opportunities to rearm and threaten Yemen and the wider region.
She reaffirmed that ending the coup and restoring state institutions are the starting point for a solution based on the agreed frameworks and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, foremost among them Resolution 2216, stressing that the lives, freedom and dignity of Yemenis are not negotiable.
The Minister warned of expanding cooperation between the Houthis and terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa, citing findings by the UN Panel of Experts concerning the deployment of Houthi military engineers to Somalia to train members of Al-Shabaab.
She warned that the militia is evolving from a recipient of Iranian weapons and expertise into a supplier of such capabilities to other terrorist groups.
Al-Zouba called on the United States and the European Union to tighten sanctions and strengthen coordination to close loopholes exploited by financing and shipping networks, front companies and suppliers.
She urged efforts to cut off the flow of weapons, components, dual-use materials, funding and technical expertise to the militia, strengthen anti-smuggling measures, and support Yemen’s armed forces and coastguard with equipment, training and intelligence.
The Minister also called for political, economic and humanitarian support to strengthen the capacity of state institutions to deliver services and meet the needs of displaced people and other citizens, including those living in militia-controlled areas, while continuing development initiatives in stable areas.
Al-Zouba stressed that completing the restoration of Yemen’s territory is only part of the state’s mission. The ultimate goal, she said, is to protect all Yemenis, safeguard their freedom and dignity, and free them from intimidation, arbitrary detention, child recruitment and the dangers of landmines.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to international humanitarian law, including taking all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and facilitating safe passage for displaced families.
On the humanitarian front, the Minister highlighted the importance of delivering food, water and other essential supplies to Taiz, as well as securing fuel for healthcare facilities and water services.
She called for intensified pressure to reopen roads, enable residents to obtain essential supplies and patients to access medical treatment, and increase emergency assistance for displaced people.
Al-Zouba underscored the need to distinguish between a legitimate government representing a UN member state and a terrorist militia that seized state institutions by force with the backing of the Iranian regime.
She stressed that this distinction must be reflected in international media coverage and policies, reaffirming that Yemen remains a key partner in safeguarding regional and international peace and security.
