Yemenis Launch Social Media Campaign to Support Marib

Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek arriving in the eastern governorate of Hadhramout, Asharq Al-Awsat
Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek arriving in the eastern governorate of Hadhramout, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Yemenis Launch Social Media Campaign to Support Marib

Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek arriving in the eastern governorate of Hadhramout, Asharq Al-Awsat
Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek arriving in the eastern governorate of Hadhramout, Asharq Al-Awsat

Hundreds of Yemeni activists are campaigning on social media for backing army forces on battlefronts west of Yemen’s Marib governorate, where Iran-backed Houthi militias have been fighting pro-government forces fiercely for four months in a row.

In their social media posts, both civilians and politicians urged more reinforcement to army forces in Marib, arguing that the battle there is vital to defeating the Iranian project in Yemen.

They also called for a swift victory, deploying additional defense brigades to Marib and driving Houthi militias out of positions they hold in the governorate.

The campaign coincided with military reports reaffirming that the army, backed by the Arab Coalition air forces, is constantly repelling Houthi attacks west of Marib.

Yemeni Information Minister Moammar Al-Eryani pointed out that government forces in Marib are not only fighting for the sake of preserving national interests but are also fighting against Iran’s expansionist ambitions and the terrorism of Houthi militias.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government accused the insurgents of following the Iranian agenda and blocking peace efforts.

According to the government, Houthis have insisted on the military escalation in Marib and failed to comply with the UN and international calls to end all attacks and to achieve peace.

Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek visited the eastern governorate of Hadhramout on Sunday.

“Abdulmalek arrived in Mukalla on an inspection visit to the governorate of Hadhramout,” a tweet posted by the prime minister’s official account said.

Although he arrived in Mukalla, Hadhramout’s provincial capital, Abdulmalek’s several-day trip will include Mahara and Shabwa.

Abdulmalek intends to examine living conditions in the governorate and discuss concerns and needs in terms of projects and services needed by residents. He will also review local authority efforts in service and development, achieving security and stability and responding to urgent priorities.

The premier was received, at Ryan airport, by Hadhramout Governor Faraj al-Bohsoni and several officials.

This is the first visit paid by the Yemeni prime minister to the governorate since the government formation.



Egyptian-American Discussions Address Red Sea Tensions

An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 
An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 
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Egyptian-American Discussions Address Red Sea Tensions

An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 
An American fighter jet launches from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman to conduct strikes against Houthi targets. (Reuters) 

Recent escalations in the Red Sea have prompted high-level discussions between Egyptian and American defense officials concerning the impact of Houthi attacks on maritime security and the global economy.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth engaged in a telephone conversation with Egypt’s Minister of Defense and Military Production, General Abdel Majeed Saqr, to underscore the robust strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt.

According to a statement from the US Department of Defense, the two leaders explored means to enhance mutual interests, focusing on the significance of Red Sea security. They addressed the destabilizing actions of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, which have adversely affected the Suez Canal and the broader global economy.

In a related development, US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi discussed regional mediation efforts aimed at restoring stability. The Egyptian presidency reported that the leaders deliberated on developments in the Middle East and mediation initiatives to reestablish calm, positively influencing Red Sea navigation and mitigating economic losses.

Trump, via his Truth Social platform, highlighted the substantial military progress made against the Houthi group, who have been responsible for attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. He also noted discussions with Sisi regarding the situation in Gaza, potential solutions, and military readiness.

The United States initiated military operations against the Houthi group on March 15, following the group’s declaration to resume attacks on ships linked to Israel traversing the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

Since November 2023, numerous global shipping companies have altered their routes to avoid the Red Sea due to the Houthi attacks, which the group claims are in retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This rerouting has led to significant economic repercussions, particularly for Egypt. Sisi revealed that the Suez Canal has suffered monthly revenue losses of approximately $800 million as a result of the ongoing instability in the region.

Egypt has consistently expressed support for efforts aimed at ensuring the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, given the adverse effects on the Suez Canal. However, Egyptian officials have emphasized their reluctance to join any military alliances.

Military expert Major General Samir Farag stated that while Egypt seeks assistance in securing Red Sea navigation, it prefers not to participate in military coalitions, having previously declined involvement in the US-led “Prosperity Guardian” initiative. Farag also linked the restoration of security in the Red Sea to the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, noting that attacks on vessels subsided during the truce.

Similarly, Ambassador Hussein Haridi, a former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister, indicated that the United States has shown interest in involving Egypt in Red Sea affairs. He suggested that the recent communication between the defense ministers of both nations aligns with this context.

Haridi underscored Egypt’s position that, despite being significantly affected by Red Sea tensions, the root cause lies in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.