Yemen urges tough response to Houthis, blames group for escalation

Yemen’s President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, has called on the international community to take a firm stance against the Houthis.

Al-Alimi said peace in Yemen cannot be achieved as long as the armed group possesses missiles and drones and effectively determines matters of war and peace on its own, Caliber.Az reports, citing Asharq Al-Awsat.

According to him, the era of Houthi attacks without consequences had come to an end.

Al-Alimi urged the international community to immediately condemn attacks on civilian facilities, economic infrastructure and commercial ports, holding the group responsible for the escalation.

In his view, Yemen’s internationally recognised government did not initiate the current escalation and had taken steps toward de-escalation in recent years, including helping restore air and maritime links and facilitate the transit of goods.

Al-Alimi further stated that the government’s commitment to the peace process should not be interpreted by the Houthis as an opportunity to carry out attacks freely at any time and in any place.

He also said the authorities would not allow the group to unilaterally determine the country’s future.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov