Yemen Returns to “Bright Star 2025”: A Regional Security Message and Re-entry to the International Scene
Yemen Monitor / Cairo / Exclusive:
Major General Ismail Zahzuh, Commander of the Yemeni Special Operations Forces, affirmed that his country’s participation in the “Bright Star 2025” military maneuvers is not merely a military exercise, but a significant “return” for Yemen to the path of regional and international cooperation. It is also an affirmation of its unwavering commitment to regional security and maritime navigation.
General Zahzuh made this statement during an interview at the Mohammed Nageeb Military Base in Egypt, where the maneuvers are taking place. Hosted by Egypt and the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the exercise includes participation from over 40 nations.
Yemen’s involvement in “Bright Star 2025” represents a turning point, as the country’s last participation in these maneuvers was in 2010, before years of internal conflict led to its exclusion from international events.
General Zahzuh stressed that this return carries deep political and security implications, stating: “Yemen’s participation in Bright Star means a lot; it goes beyond acquiring experience and skills… it also means that Yemen is emerging from the situation imposed upon it in recent years and returning to its rightful place within the regional framework and the international community.”
The Yemeni military commander linked the return to joint training with the government’s determination to counter terrorism, secure shipping lanes, and strengthen security ties with allies.
Given Yemen’s vital geographical location at a critical maritime crossroads, Zahzuh explained that his country has a crucial role in protecting global trade routes.
He asserted: “Yemen’s presence within the regional and international framework is a safety valve for securing navigation and maritime trade against terrorist activities,” a clear reference to the threats posed by the Houthi group, which he described as supported by “external parties” and has recently escalated its attacks on commercial vessels.
Zahzuh highlighted the added value of training with regional and international partners, particularly the significant benefit gained from US forces, which he said possess “extensive experience in all specialties and fields” and modern technologies unavailable to most nations.
The areas in which Yemeni forces gained expertise included: command, tactics, cyber defense, intelligence, communications, and unmanned systems (drones). He expressed Yemen’s hope to expand its participation in future sessions with larger delegations and broader specialties, starting from the early planning stages.
The Special Operations Commander confirmed that the participation sends a strong message to the Yemeni people: “that we, alongside the Arab and international community, are working hand-in-hand to combat terrorism… We carry good news for the Yemenis that we… in cooperation with everyone, will soon eliminate the terrorist militias in Yemen.”
General Zahzuh concluded by thanking Egypt and the US Central Command for facilitating Yemen’s return after an absence of over a decade, expressing his aspiration to strengthen the partnership with the United States. He emphasized that “Our fears are shared, our enemy is one, and we all care about the stability of the region to enjoy prosperity and security.”
