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Yemen's armed forces stand ready to counter any military escalation by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, stated Brigadier General Abdu Majly, spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces. In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Majly condemned what he described as Iran's "direct meddling" in Yemen, asserting it poses a significant threat to both regional and international security, while simultaneously undermining efforts to achieve a political settlement to the ongoing conflict.

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Armed Forces Ready for Any Houthi Escalation, to Protect Yemen

Majly specifically cited Mahan Air flights operating directly from Sanaa airport, which is under Houthi control, as a "flagrant violation of the Yemeni republic's sovereignty." He further argued that these flights, reportedly carrying Iranian "experts" and members of the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to aid in military operations alongside the Houthis, demonstrate Tehran's use of the militants to advance its "expansionist agenda" in the region.

The Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen echoed these concerns, condemning the flights as evidence of the close relationship between the Houthis and Iran. The council stated that this action underscores the Houthis' continued exploitation of state institutions within their controlled areas to serve Iran's objectives. It was also characterized as an act of "defiance" against UN Security Council resolutions and international law, testing the global community's commitment to Yemen's sovereignty.

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We are ready to handle any field development or military escalation by the Iran-backed Houthis.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition, which is involved in the conflict, acknowledged that recent developments extend beyond internal Yemeni disputes, linking them to broader regional security concerns. Coalition spokesman Turki Al-Malki pledged that the coalition would respond with "unprecedented force" to any attacks targeting Saudi Arabia or Yemen.

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We condemn the direct Iranian meddling in Yemen.

Majly reiterated that Iran's persistent support for the Houthis demonstrates its intent to use the group to pursue its own agendas, disregarding the will of the Yemeni people and international efforts aimed at ending the war. He held the Houthis responsible for the deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions in Yemen, vowing that the Yemeni armed forces would uphold their constitutional duty to protect the republic, its airspace, and its territories against any threats to legitimate institutions.

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It was a threat to regional and international security and undermine efforts to reach a political settlement to end the war.