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Yemeni FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Houthis Exploit Red Sea Security for Propaganda Purposes

Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak (Saba News Agency)
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Yemeni FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Houthis Exploit Red Sea Security for Propaganda Purposes

Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak (Saba News Agency)

Yemen’s Houthis are exploiting the security of the Red Sea for internal propaganda purposes, warned Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak, emphasizing that the group’s actions have no connection to supporting Palestinians.

Mubarak, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, reaffirmed the Yemeni government’s commitment to continue engaging in Saudi-led peace efforts.

Despite Houthi mobilization and escalation on all fronts, he stated that the government remains committed to de-escalation and ceasefire.

A French frigate recently shot down two drones over the Red Sea that were believed to be approaching from the coast of Yemen.

“The interception and destruction of these two identified threats” were carried out late on Saturday by the frigate Languedoc, which operates in the Red Sea, the French military said in a press release on Sunday.

With this development, Paris joins US and British forces in attempting to counter Houthi threats without engaging in open confrontation with the group.

On his part, Mubarak underscored the condemnation by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) of the Houthi militias’ use of the Red Sea security for the sake of domestic media propaganda.

He clarified that the reality of these actions has no connection to supporting Palestinians.

Simultaneously, the top Yemeni diplomat expressed the solidarity of the Yemeni government and people with the Palestinian cause, condemning the brutal Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank.

Mubarak called for an immediate ceasefire and punishment of the Israeli occupation for the crimes, violations, and atrocities committed in Palestine.

The US accuses Iran of fully backing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden—a stance deemed “unacceptable” by the US State Department.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan asserted that there is every reason to believe that despite the Houthi involvement, these attacks were fully enabled by Iran.

Observers note that the Houthis, seizing on the Gaza conflict, exploit it as an opportunity to divert attention from its internal crises, disrupt peace efforts, and attempt to whitewash its crimes against Yemenis.

The group has recently escalated its threats, extending beyond Israeli-linked vessels to target international ships in the Red and Arabian Seas. This move marks a shift from previous warnings limited to ships with ties to Israel.

A spokesperson for the US State Department recently told Asharq Al-Awsat that the ongoing Houthi militant attacks on commercial ships in the southern Red Sea flagrantly violate international law and pose a significant threat to global trade, as well as regional stability.

Addressing peace efforts and their latest developments, Mubarak clarified that the Yemeni government’s peace vision centers on addressing the core of the conflict, not just its aftermath.

The minister emphasized commitment to the three agreed-upon references: the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 2216.

Regarding his recent meeting with US Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking, Mubarak noted that they reviewed “developments related to the political process aimed at ending the war and bringing peace to Yemen.”

The minister also reiterated support for the efforts of the PLC and the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, as well as the initiatives led by Lenderking.

“The Yemeni government is fully engaged in peace efforts, committed to de-escalation and ceasefire, despite the mobilization and escalation led by the Houthi militia on all fronts of the conflict,” said Mubarak.

When asked about developments in Lenderking’s recent visit to the region, Mubarak confirmed discussions zeroed on Yemen’s situation and the latest developments in Saudi mediation efforts, emphasizing a commitment to a genuine political process for lasting, comprehensive peace based on national, regional, and international references.

“The US envoy affirmed the welcoming and supportive stance of the US administration towards the efforts of Saudi Arabia in achieving a lasting peace agreement in Yemen,” clarified Mubarak.

He underscored the importance of leveraging available opportunities to advance conflict resolution, prevent a return to hostilities, and mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Discussions also centered on US efforts and coordination with nations supporting the principle of free navigation for secure global shipping.

Mubarak emphasized the need to ensure the flow of goods and international trade in the Red Sea.

Recently, Washington imposed sanctions on 13 individuals and entities responsible for facilitating the transfer of tens of millions of dollars from the sale of Iranian goods to support Houthi terrorist militias, aided by Iran’s Quds Force, the foreign arm of the Revolutionary Guard.

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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of the new Syrian administration, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Syrian revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere.”

He stressed that Syria “will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country.”

Speaking from the Presidential Palace in Damascus on Thursday, Al-Sharaa said the Syrian opposition’s actions had “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.”

Asked why Syria has yet to send a direct message to the Gulf and major Arab nations, Al-Sharaa responded by saying that his country has much to say to its Arab neighbors.

“Syria had become a platform for Iran to control key Arab capitals, spread wars, and destabilize the Gulf with drugs like Captagon,” he said.

He added: “By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we’ve served the region’s interests—achieving what diplomacy and external pressure could not, with minimal losses.”

Al-Sharaa also criticized efforts to restore ties with the former Syrian regime, including its return to the Arab League in exchange for concessions.

“We were confident this would fail because we knew the regime would not make any genuine concessions or approach these overtures in good faith,” he said.

He claimed that during a meeting with Jordanian officials, the former regime was asked why it insisted on exporting Captagon to Jordan.

“The response was that it would not stop unless sanctions were lifted," Al-Sharaa said, adding “this is not how the regime operates.”

He emphasized that Gulf strategic security has since improved. “Today, the Iranian project in the region has been pushed back 40 years, making the Gulf more secure and stable.”

When asked if he would give reassurances on Syria not becoming a refuge for certain figures, Al-Sharaa dismissed concerns about hosting figures who cause concern for some Arab nations, saying Syria will not become a haven for controversial individuals.

“We are now focused on state-building. The revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere. Syria will not be a platform to threaten or unsettle any Arab or Gulf country,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria seeks to rebuild and strengthen ties with Arab nations. “Syria is tired of wars and being used for others’ agendas. We want to restore trust and rebuild our country as part of the Arab world.”

He praised the Gulf’s progress, saying: “We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria.”

He added: “There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals.”

On Syria’s relationship with its neighbor Lebanon, Al-Sharaa acknowledged concerns raised by Lebanese counterparts about him reaching Damascus, fearing it could strengthen one faction over another in Lebanon.

“We are not seeking any form of dominance over Lebanon,” he said. “We want a relationship based on mutual respect and exchange, without interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs. We have enough work to do in our own country.”

Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s intention to maintain balanced relations, saying he aims “to stand equally with all Lebanese groups, and what pleases them, pleases us.”

Al-Sharaa was asked about a national dialogue conference and a new constitution to guide Syria’s future, and the mechanism that he plans to ensure inclusivity for all Syrians in the process, especially among the base of supporters and fighters who do not necessarily agree with his current moderate speech.

Al-Sharaa acknowledged differing opinions but emphasized he does not want to impose his personal views on Syrians.

“I believe in letting legal experts shape the relationship between citizens, with the law as the guide,” he said.

“Syria is diverse, and it's natural for there to be different opinions. This difference is healthy.”

Al-Sharaa stressed that the recent victory is for all Syrians, not one group over another.

“Even those we thought were loyal to the old regime expressed joy, as they had not been able to openly express their feelings before,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that Syrians, regardless of their background, are aware enough to protect their country.

“My aim is to reach a broad agreement and build a country where the rule of law helps resolve our differences,” Al-Sharaa concluded.

On the complex issue of forced disappearances and individuals missing in prisons and mass graves, Al-Sharaa said the previous regime was a criminal gang, not a political system.

“We fought a brutal group that committed crimes like arrests, forced disappearances, killings, displacement, starvation, chemical attacks, and torture,” he said.

He stressed that while the regime is gone, the focus should be on justice, not revenge.

“We must not approach this with a desire for vengeance,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stated that those responsible for crimes like the Saydnaya prison and chemical attacks must be held accountable.

“Their names are known and they must be pursued,” he said. He also affirmed that families have the right to file complaints against unknown perpetrators.

Al-Sharaa outlined efforts to address the issue of missing persons. “We’ve broken the barriers, and specialized organizations are now helping with this task,” he said.

A new ministry will be set up to track the fate of the missing, both the deceased and the living.

“This will also assist families with documents like death certificates and inheritance,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the need to uncover the truth. “This is a big task, but we must find the truth,” Al-Sharaa said.

When asked about hosting the interview at the People’s Palace, the same location where Bashar al-Assad once sat, Al-Sharaa responded with a light-hearted laugh.

“To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable at all,” he said. “But this is a place that should be open to the people, a site where they can visit and where children can play in these courtyards.”