Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi revealed that Yemen’s placement under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter presents an obstacle to acquiring Russian air defense systems, despite Moscow’s support for Yemen’s legitimate government and UN Security Council resolutions.
Al-Alimi denied any Russian military support for the Houthis, expressing appreciation for Russia’s supportive stance on Yemeni legitimacy and Security Council Resolution 2216. However, he noted that Yemen’s continued status under Chapter VII prevents it from obtaining Russian air defense systems to protect its vital facilities.
Al-Alimi stated that a political solution remains the best path to ending the war, despite the Houthis’ ongoing rejection of all peace initiatives. He accused the group of engaging in racist and sectarian behavior that contradicts the values of a civil state.
In an interview with Russia’s RT channel, Al-Alimi explained that the Saudi roadmap was the most recent proposal approved by the legitimate government, but the Houthis continued their attacks on oil facilities, civilian areas, and international maritime navigation.
The council chairman also revealed painful details about the Houthis’ seizure of three aircraft carrying Yemeni pilgrims at Sana’a Airport, refusing to release them despite threats, which eventually led to the planes’ destruction. He also addressed the recent incident involving a fourth plane that was destroyed, clarifying that the government had proposed transporting the pilgrims from Jeddah to Aden. However, the Houthis rejected all suggestions and insisted that the plane land in Sanaa, threatening to bomb the airports of Aden, Hadramout, Shabwa, and Mocha if their demand was not met.
Al-Alimi added that the council was forced to allow the plane’s return to Sana’a to protect lives and avoid escalating the war, but it was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes just two days later.
He emphasized that the Presidential Leadership Council represents all political and geographical components of Yemen and affirmed that any future political settlement must reflect the aspirations of the Yemeni people, including addressing the Southern issue through peaceful dialogue.
He concluded by stating that the Houthis will not yield to peace except under the pressure of force, likening their behavior to that of Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and calling on the international community to adopt a firmer stance toward them.
