Al-Aradah Calls for Moving Beyond Past Mistakes, Confronting the Houthis

Asharq Al-Awsat

02-05-2025

Yemeni Vice President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Major General Sultan Al-Aradah, has called on Yemeni parties and factions to heal internal divisions, move beyond the mistakes of the past, and support the armed forces in their critical battle against the terrorist Houthi militia.
Al-Aradah stressed that the responsibility of ending the Houthi militia's rebellion and restoring the state's hijacked institutions is a major national duty that requires unity from all parties.
Since March 15, the United States has carried out more than 800 strikes on positions held by the Iran-backed group, targeting weapon depots and leaders. The campaign is believed to have killed hundreds of militants and weakened the group's offensive capabilities by nearly half.
The US military has pledged to continue escalating pressure and dismantling the Houthis' capabilities as long as they continue to disrupt freedom of navigation. It confirmed conducting 800 strikes since the launch of its operation.
Al-Aradah emphasized that this phase requires collective action to strengthen national unity and to support the armed forces in their decisive battle against the Iran-backed Houthi militia, until the rebellion is ended and the state is restored.
During a meeting on Wednesday evening with the head and members of the National Bloc of Political Parties and Components, the Vice President stressed the need to heal internal divisions, move past yesterday's mistakes, avoid dwelling on the past, focus on the present and future, reinforce the internal front, strengthen national cohesion, and rise above disputes and rivalries among all national forces and groups.
He also called for amplifying the republican voice in confronting the Houthi rhetoric and its sectarian project, which threatens the state's existence and tears apart the national fabric. This, he said, must be countered with a unified and responsible political, media, and public discourse that represents the voices and will of all Yemenis and reflects their aspirations to restore their desired state—a homeland that embraces all its people regardless of their affiliations and orientations.
For his part, the head of the National Bloc of Political Parties and Components, Dr. Ahmed bin Dagher, expressed his appreciation for Aradah's efforts to communicate with political groups, unify their positions, and strengthen national cohesion, while upholding the national principles shared by all Yemenis.
In the same context, the head and members of the National Bloc confirmed during their meeting with US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin that the Houthis refuse to engage in any serious political process. They pointed out that the Houthis have shown no willingness to abandon their coup or implement international resolutions, especially Resolution 2216, which hinders progress toward a comprehensive peaceful solution.
Meanwhile, Fagin stated that the Houthi militia's repeated targeting of shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean poses a serious threat to regional and international security.