Rashad al-Alimi called for nationwide mobilization to reclaim territory from the Iran-backed Houthis and said the aim is to restore state institutions and sovereignty across Yemen. He offered safe return and amnesty to fighters who defect and urged civilians in Houthi-held areas to protect their children. The announcement follows renewed fighting, intensified Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, and the group's recent seizure of Yemen's western coast near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Yemeni President Calls for Nationwide Mobilization to Push Back Iran-Backed Houthis
Armed rebels of the Iran-backed Houthi militia take part in a demonstration against the USA and Israel and solidarity with Palestinians people at Gaza Strip. (is associated with: «Yemeni leader urges general mobilization against Iran-backed Houthis») Osamah Yahya/dpa
Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, on Friday called for a general mobilization across Yemen, urging citizens to join government forces as fighting intensifies with the Iran-backed Houthi movement.
Call To Action And Amnesty Offer
In a televised address, al-Alimi said the goal is to "restore state institutions and extend sovereignty over the entire national territory," including regaining the capital, Sana'a, which remains under Houthi control.
"The state does not view you as a party to a conflict, but rather as its people and its partners," he said.
He announced an offer of safe return and amnesty for fighters who abandon the Houthis and lay down their arms, and appealed directly to civilians in Houthi-held areas to protect their children and avoid sending them into combat.
Recent Escalation And Strategic Concerns
The renewed fighting follows a largely frozen 2022 truce and comes amid wider tensions involving Iran. In recent weeks the Houthis have stepped up missile and drone strikes against neighboring Saudi Arabia and imposed a blockade on Saudi vessels, accusing Riyadh of besieging areas under their control.
Earlier this month the group launched a rapid offensive along Yemen's western coast, seizing territory that gives them access to the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait. That development has raised global concerns about risks to commercial shipping through the chokepoint.
Humanitarian And Regional Implications
Yemen—already one of the world's poorest countries—faces further hardship as hostilities intensify. The mobilization call and the amnesty offer are likely aimed at weakening Houthi ranks while trying to limit civilian displacement, but the prospect of a broader escalation raises regional security and humanitarian concerns.
What Comes Next: International actors and maritime operators will be watching whether the mobilization changes front lines, how many fighters accept amnesty, and whether the seizure of the western coast leads to greater disruption of Red Sea shipping.
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