Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The official Saba News Agency reported on Tuesday that Dr. Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi, Head of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, held an emergency meeting of the National Defense Council. The session was attended by council members and several high-ranking government and military officials.
Participants included the Speaker of Parliament, Sheikh Sultan al-Barkani; Prime Minister Salem bin Buraik; Chairman of the Shura Council, Dr. Ahmed bin Daghr; as well as deputies of the legislative councils and representatives of military and security bodies.
The meeting was convened to discuss recent security and military developments in the governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, in light of the escalation by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and the resulting threats to security and stability.
Attendees reviewed detailed reports on recent military movements and accompanying violations against civilians and public facilities, including the closure of Seiyun Airport, which was deemed a clear breach of the Riyadh Agreement and the transition period frameworks.
Key Outcomes of the Council Meeting:
- Classification of STC Actions: The National Defense Council classified the STC’s movements as a rebellion against legitimate state institutions, asserting that these actions directly threaten civil peace and serve the interests of the Iranian-backed Houthi militias.
- Support for the President: The Council praised the PLC President’s decisions to declare a state of emergency and terminate the Emirati presence in Yemen, considering these steps necessary to protect civilians and preserve state institutions.
- Message to the UAE: The Council called on the United Arab Emirates to respect Yemeni sovereignty and cease all military or logistical support to forces outside the state framework. It characterized the Joint Forces Command’s statements regarding arms shipments to Mukalla as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
- The Southern Cause: The Council affirmed that the “Southern Cause” remains a national priority to be addressed within a comprehensive political settlement, ensuring the rights of those in the southern governorates without exclusion.
- Role of Saudi Arabia: The Council commended Saudi efforts to de-escalate and restore normalcy in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, expressing appreciation for ongoing Saudi support for Yemen’s security.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a package of political, security, and legal measures to strengthen security and protect civilians, while calling for national unity to face upcoming challenges.
