Yemen: National Defense Council Warns Civilians to Stay Away from Houthi Militia Sites and Gatherings

Aden, September 29 (KUNA) -- Yemen’s National Defense Council called on Tuesday for citizens in areas controlled by Houthi militias to stay away from military camps, arms depots, missile launch platforms, military sites, and supply lines, and to refrain from allowing civilian neighborhoods and facilities to be used for military purposes, in order to safeguard their lives and safety.

State news agency Saba reported that the appeal was made during a meeting of the National Defense Council, chaired by Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The meeting was attended by members of the Presidential Council, heads of the Shura and Parliament councils, ministers, and other relevant officials to discuss national developments, the level of military and security readiness across various fronts, and executive measures related to the general mobilization decree, the safe return of displaced persons, the continuity of basic services, and humanitarian response for the displaced and affected.

The Council urged citizens in areas under Houthi control to cooperate with state institutions and military and security agencies, and to report through official channels any movements, mobilizations, or military deployments that threaten citizens’ security and the stability of their areas. It approved executive measures for general mobilization to counter the escalation by Houthi militias and to strengthen the capacities of state institutions, the armed forces, and security agencies, emphasizing the need to transition these measures from a general framework to a disciplined institutional mechanism in accordance with the Constitution and prevailing laws.

It noted that the doors for the safe return of individuals misled into joining these militias remain open, adding that the state is committed to protecting its citizens and reclaiming its institutions, and that its armed forces will continue to fulfill their duties until threat sources are eliminated and the Yemeni people’s aspirations for security, peace, and development are realized.

The Council welcomed regional and international positions supporting the government and its national institutions, as well as statements issued by the UN Security Council condemning the terrorism of Houthi militias and affirming Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stressing the necessity of implementing relevant Security Council resolutions, foremost among them Resolution 2216.

It praised the armed forces, military formations, and popular resistance for their cohesion, operational efficiency, deterrence capabilities, and ability to regain the initiative across various fronts, as well as the losses inflicted on Houthi militias and their military equipment through their operations. It affirmed that the armed forces will continue to fulfill their constitutional and legal responsibilities in protecting citizens, deterring threat sources, and ultimately reclaiming state institutions and extending sovereignty over the entire country.

The Council warned against the use of air defense weapons, cruise missiles, and advanced military technologies by Houthi militias, which threaten air navigation and endanger civilian aircraft and humanitarian and relief flights. It called for preventing the flow of weapons, technologies, and military expertise to them.

On the humanitarian front, the Council reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting civilians, caring for the families of victims, treating the wounded, and responding to the needs of the displaced and families displaced by Houthi militias. It called on international organizations and donor countries to support humanitarian interventions.

The Council appreciated the positions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its continuous support for the government and the Yemeni people, as well as its backing of efforts to address the security, economic, and humanitarian repercussions, and to support state institutions while preserving Yemen’s security, stability, and territorial integrity. (End) S.N.S. / R.J.