Yemen Govt: Coalition Response to Houthis Part of Counterterrorism Efforts

Yemen's internationally recognized government asserted on Saturday that the Saudi-led coalition's military actions in Hodeidah were a necessary counterterrorism measure. The government stated the coalition's response targeted legitimate Houthi military sites, aiming to protect international shipping and maritime security from criminal attacks on civilian vessels.

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the military response by the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen against legitimate Houthi targets in Hodeidah was part of joint efforts to combat terrorism, protect international shipping and maritime security, and deter criminal attacks targeting civilian vessels.

The government strongly condemned a recent terrorist attack by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea. It characterized this escalation as a deliberate attempt by the Houthis to sabotage regional and international de-escalation efforts and to drag Yemen into conflicts unrelated to its people's interests.

The statement praised the coalition's operation as precise and confined to military targets linked to the militia's threats. It emphasized compliance with international law, including principles of necessity and proportionality, and noted that all necessary precautions were taken to protect civilians. The government also highlighted that Yemeni ports, including Hodeidah, remain operational for commercial and humanitarian supplies without damage, demonstrating the coalition's commitment to civilian infrastructure and trade flow.

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the latest escalation demonstrated the group’s determination to undermine regional and international efforts to reduce tensions while dragging Yemen into conflicts that have nothing to do with the interests of its people.

Furthermore, the government accused the Houthis of jeopardizing Yemen's interests and resources to serve Iran's agenda. It stated that the militia uses the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait as leverage against the international community. Yemen affirmed its commitment, alongside the coalition and international partners, to protect civilians, safeguard sovereignty, secure shipping, and deter threats to national and regional security. The government held the Houthis responsible for any humanitarian, economic, or security repercussions from their actions.

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the coalition’s highly precise retaliatory operation, saying it was confined to legitimate military targets linked to the militia’s terrorist threats.

Finally, the government urged the international community to take a firmer stance against the Houthi group by cutting off their funding and weapons, and holding their backers accountable to preserve regional security and international interests.

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The operation complied with international law, including the principles of necessity and proportionality, and was carried out only after all necessary precautions had been taken to protect civilians and civilian objects.