Yemen Defense Ministry Warns of Houthi Collusion with ISIS, Qaeda

Yemen's Defense Minister during his meeting with a delegation from the UN Special Envoy’s office for Yemen in the interim capital Aden. (Saba News Agency)
Yemen's Defense Minister during his meeting with a delegation from the UN Special Envoy’s office for Yemen in the interim capital Aden. (Saba News Agency)
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Yemen Defense Ministry Warns of Houthi Collusion with ISIS, Qaeda

Yemen's Defense Minister during his meeting with a delegation from the UN Special Envoy’s office for Yemen in the interim capital Aden. (Saba News Agency)
Yemen's Defense Minister during his meeting with a delegation from the UN Special Envoy’s office for Yemen in the interim capital Aden. (Saba News Agency)

Yemen’s Defense Ministry has issued a stern warning about the peril of the ongoing aggressive actions by the Iran-backed Houthi militias against the army. The ministry called upon the international community to exhibit greater firmness in addressing the unyielding Houthi obstinacy towards peace.

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed al-Daeri raised the alarm about the dangerous collusion between the terrorist Houthi militias and the Al-Qaeda and ISIS organizations with the aim to destabilized liberated regions.

He emphasized that the threat of these militias extends not only within Yemen but also to the wider region and the world.

He made his remarks during a meeting in the interim capital of Aden on Tuesday with the political division team of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen.

According to Saba news agency, Al-Daeri highlighted that the Houthi militias have disregarded all commitments or pacts aimed at establishing peace in Yemen.

He strongly underscored the imperative for the international community and the UN to assume a more resolute role in countering the arrogance and intransigence of the Houthis, who constantly reject peace efforts.

In turn, Yemeni Army Spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdo Majali affirmed the readiness of the military to battle the Houthis

He pointed out that all Houthi violations and attacks on the fronts have proven unsuccessful.

In statements to Asharq Al-Awsat, Majali stated that the army has become more prepared, capable, and well-trained.

“The militias are weak in the face of our well-prepared forces and are being shunned in areas under their control,” he noted.

“Soon, the people will rise against them, and a decisive military solution is the secure path to spare the Yemeni people from these acts of sabotage and terrorism,” added Majali.

Yemeni soldiers, according to Mijalli, have undergone numerous qualifying and specialized courses that have boosted morale and readiness to confront the militias.



Lebanon: Aoun Says No Solution for Israel’s Violations Except Through Diplomacy

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
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Lebanon: Aoun Says No Solution for Israel’s Violations Except Through Diplomacy

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated commitment to dialogue to address Lebanon’s long-standing dispute with Israel’s violation and occupation in south Lebanon, saying that it can only be addressed through “diplomacy”.
He reiterated "the importance of diplomatic solutions in resolving conflicts, as the Lebanese people have grown weary of wars”, a Presidency statement quoted Aoun as saying on Friday.
Aoun’s remarks come amid support from the Higher Islamic Shiite Council for the his approach to addressing the issue of Hezbollah’s arms through dialogue.
“Diplomatic efforts may not yield immediate results, but we are working daily with international parties, away from the media spotlight, to achieve the desired outcome”, said Aoun during his visit to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council.
The Lebanese president’s comments come amid heated political debate over the future of Hezbollah’s weapons and the call to centralize arms under state authority. Last week, Aoun reiterated his determination to make sure the state has a monopoly over weapons.

Aoun’s strategy to address the issue of Hezbollah’s arms garnered the support of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council. “Let the issue be addressed through calm dialogue away from media and political exploitations. Let the decision be a unifying national one away from submissions to external demands”, said Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, vice-president of the Higher Shiite Council.
Aoun had earlier reaffirmed that communication between the presidency and Hezbollah remains active, with tangible results on the ground.

He also highlighted that he and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri are in agreement on all matters, particularly the goal of placing weapons solely under the control of the state.

Disarming Hezbollah has emerged as a key condition in ongoing discussions surrounding Israel’s potential withdrawal from the remaining five disputed points it occupies in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have linked any pullout to assurances that Hezbollah’s military presence near the border will be curbed, citing security concerns.

For its part, Lebanon maintains that full Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for lasting stability, but internal divisions over Hezbollah’s role complicate negotiations. While President Joseph Aoun and others advocate for addressing the group’s arms through national dialogue, critics warn that tying disarmament to Israeli withdrawal risks prolonging the deadlock.