Synopsis
On April 10, Yemen's Vice President Tariq Saleh called for enhanced international support to counter Houthi threats during a meeting with US Ambassador Steven Fagin. Saleh emphasized the need for tangible backing for the Yemeni government to tackle these challenges and restore state authority.Key Takeaways
- Saleh urges international community for support.
- Discussion with US Ambassador on military efforts against Houthis.
- Yemen as a platform for Iranian Revolutionary Guard activities.
- Call for unified action to address security challenges.
- Continued US airstrikes against Houthi forces.
Washington, April 10 (NationPress) The Vice President of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Tariq Saleh, called upon the global community to enhance support for the Yemeni government in its fight against the threats from the Houthi militias.
Saleh made these statements during a videoconference meeting with US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin, where they addressed several issues of mutual concern, including "the ongoing American military efforts to weaken the terrorist Houthi militias and mitigate their threats to navigation," according to a statement issued by Saleh's office on Wednesday.
Saleh cautioned that Yemen persists as "a platform for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' activities," emphasizing the necessity to "convert the international community's understanding of this threat into concrete support for the legitimate Yemeni government."
"To eliminate the threats posed by Iran's proxies in Yemen (the Houthi group), strong international backing for the Yemeni government is essential to finalize the efforts to restore the state," Saleh stated.
Ambassador Fagin, in response, reiterated the US commitment to supporting the PLC, emphasizing that the US will continue its initiatives to diminish the Houthis' military strength until they cease their threats to maritime security in the Red Sea, as reported by Xinhua.
The US diplomat also highlighted the necessity of unifying efforts to tackle the security and humanitarian issues confronting Yemen, according to the statement.
Saleh, who is the nephew of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, leads the elite National Resistance Forces, also known as the Guards of the Republic, located along Yemen's western coastline near the strategically vital port city of Hodeidah.
The Houthis, who dominate much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have been in conflict with the internationally recognized government since 2014.
In March, the Houthi group revived attacks on Israeli-related interests following the breakdown of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, asserting that their operations are aimed at halting the Israeli offensive in Gaza and facilitating the return of humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories.
On March 15, the US military recommenced airstrikes in northern Yemen, with the declared aim of deterring Houthi assaults targeting Israel.
