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Yemen Legitimate Govt Welcomes US Decision to Train Yemeni Forces

Houthi fighters ride on the back of a patrol truck (Reuters)
Houthi fighters ride on the back of a patrol truck (Reuters)
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Yemen Legitimate Govt Welcomes US Decision to Train Yemeni Forces

Houthi fighters ride on the back of a patrol truck (Reuters)
Houthi fighters ride on the back of a patrol truck (Reuters)

The United States revealed plans to assist the Yemeni government with military experts, including officers who train Yemeni forces and help build the army's capabilities while continuing to combat terrorism and child recruitment and prevent weapons from reaching the Houthis.

The State Department's "2021 Trafficking in Persons" report stated that Washington would use the International Military Education and Training (IMET) funding to build capacity within the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) military by sending selected military officers for the US for non-technical training.

These courses would focus on the professionalization of military forces and would bolster the rule of law within the Yemeni Armed Forces.

This step represents a significant turning point in the US approach in tackling the Yemeni crisis, as the Biden administration has engaged in efforts to end the Yemeni war. It also appointed special envoy Tim Lenderking to support the UN envoy's efforts to end the crisis and reach a political solution.

The report confirmed that this training would support US efforts to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers, stressing that support and cooperation can only be with the army of the internationally recognized Yemeni government.

The Department of Defense (DoD) intends to use its authority under 10 USC 333 to re-engage with and build the capacity of the Yemeni Armed Forces – the military of the recognized government of Yemen.

The report notes that these efforts support US national interests in fighting terrorism, countering violent extremist organizations and illicit smuggling, and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

"Critically, this focused support would increase Yemeni capacity to counter malign Iranian activity, including the smuggling of lethal weapons that are contributing to the continuation of the conflict."

The report noted that this "carefully calibrated support" would be provided to the Yemen Border Guard, Yemen Coast Guard, and Yemen Special Operations Forces units not directly engaged in the current conflict but rather involved in efforts against malign third party influences contributing to the ongoing conflict and crisis.

President Joe Biden determined that it is in the national interest of the US to waive in part the application of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the Child Soldier Prevention Act (CSPA) to allow for the provision of peacekeeping operations (PKO), IMET, and has certified that the government of Yemen is taking effective and continuing steps to address the problem of child soldiers.

It is in the US national interest to support efforts to bring about a negotiated political settlement led by the Office of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Yemen, noted the report.

"A critical element of ending the conflict in Yemen is our counterterrorism campaign and efforts to counter Iranian arms smuggling to the Houthis. […] enhancing homeland security, while simultaneously moving toward the goal of ending the war in Yemen."

The Department of State assesses that an end to the conflict will be critical in ending the further deterioration of socio-economic and security conditions, ensuring long-term stability, and securing the space for restoring effective governance institutions capable of partnering with the United States and the international community in combating terrorism.

PKO funding may be used to support UN Special Envoy efforts, including the participation of Yemen's military leadership, to reach an agreement to end the Yemeni conflict and allow for the resumption of a peaceful, inclusive, and Yemeni-led political transition.

Meanwhile, Yemeni Vice President Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar announced the government's support of Washington's decision.

Ahmar welcomed this step, stressing that the support will help build the capabilities of the Yemeni military forces in combating terrorism, extremism, illicit smuggling, and ensuring freedom of navigation.

"These decisions will have a positive impact in countering the malign Iranian activity," he said in a statement on his Twitter account.

The United States affirmed its dissatisfaction with the Houthis intransigence and their lack of commitment to the initiatives seeking a ceasefire, calling for the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire and initiating inclusive political talks to establish peace and end the crisis.

In a recent press conference, Department spokesperson Ned Price announced that Washington was beyond fed up with Houthi attacks, stressing: "We are horrified by the repeated attacks on Marib."

"We strongly condemn the Houthi missile attack on a residential neighborhood in Marib on June 29th. It took civilian lives, including the life of a child. "

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Arab World

Hodeidah Governor to Asharq Al-Awsat: Fierce Fighting on Western Coast as Forces Press Ahead to Restore State Control

Governor Al-Hassan Taher during earlier fighting in the Hays area (Circulated)
Governor Al-Hassan Taher during earlier fighting in the Hays area (Circulated)
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Hodeidah Governor to Asharq Al-Awsat: Fierce Fighting on Western Coast as Forces Press Ahead to Restore State Control

Governor Al-Hassan Taher during earlier fighting in the Hays area (Circulated)
Governor Al-Hassan Taher during earlier fighting in the Hays area (Circulated)

Hodeidah Governor Dr. Al-Hassan Taher said fighting on Yemen's western coast was at its fiercest, expressing optimism that the coming days would bring positive developments on the battlefield. He also revealed that 7,435 displaced people had been registered in Aden, Lahj and Abyan governorates, with efforts continuing to document families whose registration remains incomplete.

In exclusive remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Taher said Yemeni forces were determined to recapture areas seized by the Houthis, stressing that their objective extended beyond the districts of the western coast to restoring state institutions and reestablishing government authority throughout Yemen, with Saudi support.

On September 10, the Houthi terrorist group, backed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), seized several areas along the western coast, most notably the strategically important port of Mocha, before advancing toward Dhubab and Bab Al-Mandab.

Yemeni government forces subsequently regained the initiative and recaptured large parts of those areas. Fierce battles are now underway to reclaim the remaining districts of Hodeidah Governorate as part of Operation Fajr Yemen, launched by the Yemeni government in early October.

Fierce Fighting on the Coast

The governor described the ongoing battles as intense, with both sides advancing and retreating.

"God willing, within the next two days, you will hear good news about the defeat of this rebellious group," he said.

Taher praised Saudi Arabia's support, describing the Kingdom as a steadfast brother and source of support for the Yemeni people that had stood by them through difficult circumstances.

"We will not merely return to the areas we were forced to leave. We will continue until all Yemeni territory is liberated, with the support of our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he added.

7,435 Displaced People in Three Governorates

Taher said authorities had registered 7,435 displaced people in Aden, Lahj and Abyan, representing approximately 70% of the total displaced population. Relevant agencies are continuing to collect information to complete the registration of the remaining families.

He explained that most of those displaced had fled Al-Khokha district, which had served as the governorate's temporary capital, as well as Hays and Mocha. Around 4,000 have settled in Aden.

The governor said local authorities were coordinating with their counterparts in Aden, Lahj and Abyan to facilitate registration and aid distribution, with the participation of emergency response units and community committees.

He expressed appreciation to the local authorities in the three governorates for providing displaced families with the necessary assistance and facilities.

Cash Assistance and Relief Supplies

Taher expects cash assistance to be distributed to eligible beneficiaries within the next two days, once names have been verified and registration details corrected.

The beneficiary lists will be forwarded to money exchange companies, and recipients will receive text messages enabling them to collect their payments.

He explained that the assistance would be distributed through this mechanism without direct cash handovers or intervention by local authorities.

The governor said beneficiary lists covering five districts in Aden, namely Al-Tawahi, Seera, Al-Mansoura, Al-Mualla and Khormaksar, included approximately 1,070 recipients.

He noted that the start of payments had been delayed to allow for the completion of the verification process.

Taher identified shelter, food and cash assistance as the most pressing humanitarian needs of displaced families.

He said the government had already disbursed part of the allocated assistance, while local organizations were preparing to reach displacement camps and gathering sites in coordination with the relevant authorities in host governorates.

Role of KSrelief

Taher praised the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) for supporting the people of Hodeidah during both crises and more stable periods.

He said the center had provided approximately 5,000 food baskets, of which 2,450 had arrived through its local partner, the Yamani Foundation, and had been distributed to camps hosting displaced people from several governorates.

Displaced Families Expected to Return Soon

Addressing the Houthis, Taher said the forced displacement of residents demonstrated what he described as the intimidation and abuses they faced.

He added that many people had fled their homes out of fear of such treatment or concerns that their children would be forced to fight.

In a message to residents who had been displaced, the governor said: "God willing, you will return soon, and this rebellious group will be defeated."

He reiterated that Yemeni forces would continue their military campaign until the entire territory of the republic had been restored to government control.

Arab World

Lebanon PM Warns Hezbollah Against Joining Another War

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam speaks to reporters at the Grand Serail in Beirut, December 3, 2025. (Reuters)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam speaks to reporters at the Grand Serail in Beirut, December 3, 2025. (Reuters)
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Lebanon PM Warns Hezbollah Against Joining Another War

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam speaks to reporters at the Grand Serail in Beirut, December 3, 2025. (Reuters)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam speaks to reporters at the Grand Serail in Beirut, December 3, 2025. (Reuters)

Lebanon's prime minister warned on Wednesday against plunging the country into a new war if the Middle East conflict resumes, in an apparent message to Hezbollah.

"Faced with the risks of renewed war in the region, I renew my warning of the dangers of dragging Lebanon into a new senseless adventure in service of outside interests," Nawaf Salam said.

Iran-backed Hezbollah has twice pulled Lebanon into a war with Israel in as many years, most recently when it attacked Lebanon's southern neighbor in support of Tehran in March.

"We do not accept the country again becoming a theatre for the conflict of others," Salam added, saying Lebanon had "already paid a heavy price".

In recent days, there has been heightened speculation about renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran following the American midterm elections and Israeli general elections, along with bellicose threats from the leaders of both countries.

In response to Hezbollah attacks in March, Israel launched a major military campaign in Lebanon, including a ground invasion, which has killed more than 4,300 people.

It continues to occupy swathes of southern Lebanon, where it has been systematically demolishing villages.

Arab World

Egypt’s Sisi Urges Trump, Iran to Show Flexibility Before ‘It Is Too Late’

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Slovenian counterpart Natasa Pirc Musar meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian Presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Slovenian counterpart Natasa Pirc Musar meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian Presidency)
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Egypt’s Sisi Urges Trump, Iran to Show Flexibility Before ‘It Is Too Late’

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Slovenian counterpart Natasa Pirc Musar meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian Presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Slovenian counterpart Natasa Pirc Musar meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian Presidency)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Tuesday appealed to the United States and Iran to show flexibility at this stage, stressing the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding “before it is too late” and warning that the alternative would have “catastrophic” consequences for the region.

Speaking at a news conference in Cairo alongside Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar, Sisi warned against any threat to Saudi Arabia’s security, reiterating Egypt’s “categorical rejection of any threat to the security and stability of the Kingdom and other Gulf states.”

According to the Egyptian presidency, Sisi’s talks with his Slovenian counterpart, who is making her first visit to Egypt, covered bilateral relations and the latest regional and international developments.

Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s longstanding position on developments in the region, calling for regional de-escalation and political solutions to prevent the Middle East from sliding into a wider conflict.

He urged the parties involved in the current crisis between Iran and the US to allow room for dialogue and understanding and reach a political agreement that addresses the main demands of all sides.

The Egyptian president stressed the importance of dialogue and consensus “before it is too late.”

“The alternative would have catastrophic repercussions and consequences for the region and the world, which has been suffering successive crises for six years,” he warned.

Sisi appealed to Washington and Tehran to “show the greatest possible flexibility at this stage to find areas of common understanding that would allow the existing dispute to be resolved.”

He also reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for and solidarity with Arab countries, stressing his firm belief that Arab national security is “one indivisible whole.”

Sisi expressed confidence in Trump as “a man of peace who has succeeded in defusing many difficult crises.”

He urged the US president to “make every possible effort to provide mediators with all available forms of support and assistance to reach the best possible settlement, spare the region further suffering and give its peoples hope for a better life.”

Palestinian cause

Sisi stressed that the Palestinian cause “remains the central issue in the Middle East and one of the issues that reflects the international community’s commitment to the principles of justice and international law.”

He stressed the importance of all parties fully implementing the US president’s peace plan for Gaza and ensuring safe access for humanitarian assistance.

He also called for preserving the territorial unity of the Palestinian territories and rejecting any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land.

For her part, Pirc Musar said at the news conference that “peace cannot be achieved in the Middle East without the Palestinian people obtaining their rights.”

She reaffirmed Slovenia’s commitment to its position on the Palestinian issue and to respecting international humanitarian law.

Sisi praised his Slovenian counterpart’s international positions and policies supporting international law and peace, including in Gaza, noting that these positions had always been appreciated.

On bilateral relations, Sisi explained that the talks reflected a shared vision of building on progress made in relations between the two countries in recent years.

“We agreed to continue working to strengthen political consultations, develop economic and investment cooperation, and coordinate on regional and international issues amid the current overlapping crises,” he stated.

Cooperation and partnership

Sisi described Slovenia as an important partner for Egypt in Central Europe and announced an agreement with his counterpart on the need for a qualitative leap in bilateral cooperation.

The two leaders agreed to establish a timetable-based action plan to develop trade and investment cooperation mechanisms and strengthen direct contacts between their business communities.

Priority sectors include energy and related industries, transportation, tourism, culture, telecommunications and digital transformation, with the aim of opening new opportunities for production, investment and trade.

According to the Egyptian presidency, the talks also highlighted the importance of strengthening logistics and maritime transport cooperation, linking Egyptian ports with Slovenia’s Port of Koper and integrating supply chains between the two countries.

Sisi stressed the need to continue strengthening the partnership between Egypt and the European Union, as well as deepening Egyptian-Slovenian cooperation to advance broader Egypt-EU relations.

Former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Ambassador Gamal Bayoumi described calls for de-escalation and peace in the region as essential amid signs of growing regional tensions.

“There is an awareness on the European side of Egypt’s central role in the regional peace process and Cairo’s ability to serve as a trusted mediator for de-escalation, dialogue and regional peace,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Bayoumi added that Egypt and Slovenia share common positions on several regional issues, including the security of waterways, given their importance to trade between the two countries.

He noted that the Slovenian president’s visit demonstrated her commitment to strengthening trade and economic cooperation with Cairo, describing bilateral relations as “historic and a gateway to Egyptian-European relations.”

Bayoumi also pointed to Slovenia’s interest in expanding investment in the Suez Canal region, its expertise in metal industries and its imports of Egyptian food products.

“There are promising opportunities to expand cooperation between the business communities of the two countries,” he remarked.