Yemen decries Houthis as 'terrorist militia,' calls on citizens to join Yemeni armed forces

Yemen's Presidential Council chairman, Rashad al-Alimi, called for general mobilization against the Iran-backed Houthis, urging citizens to join the armed forces. He decried recent Houthi attacks as a dangerous escalation and offered amnesty to defectors starting September 26. Alimi thanked Saudi Arabia for its support.

Yemen's Presidential Council chairman, Rashad al-Alimi, called on the Yemeni people to mobilize and join the armed forces to combat the Iran-backed Houthis in a speech on Friday. Alimi decried the recent uptick in Houthi attacks as a dangerous escalation caused by the group choosing force over dialogue. He argued that concessions to militias do not lead to peace but enable them to reorganize. Alimi blamed the Houthis for perpetuating war, dragging Yemen into futile conflicts, marginalizing tribes, and hindering recovery. He stated the goal of Yemen's armed forces is to retake Houthi-conquered territory and restore security, describing the fight as a regional interest. Alimi thanked Saudi Arabia for its backing of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen. He also announced full amnesty for any Houthi terrorists who defect and stop fighting, starting September 26.