Transport Minister: High-Level Emergency Committee Formed to Address Maritime Security Developments
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Yemeni Minister of Transport, Mohsen Haidara Al-Omari, affirmed that protecting Bab al-Mandab Strait and Yemen’s territorial waters is “a battle for strategic sovereignty,” stressing that restoring the state requires reestablishing full authority over the country’s land, sea, airspace, resources, and sovereign decision-making.
In a press statement, Al-Omari said that the address delivered by Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi underscored that the battle to restore the state has become a comprehensive national project aimed at restoring the republic, ending the Houthi group’s coup, and reestablishing state institutions and sovereignty across all Yemeni territory.
He explained that Bab al-Mandab Strait is an integral part of Yemen’s sovereignty, in addition to its strategic importance for global trade and energy security. He said that any attempt to exploit the strait or turn it into a tool of political or regional coercion constitutes an assault on Yemeni sovereignty and a direct threat to international maritime security.
The minister added that protecting Yemeni coastline and territorial waters is not merely a security issue but a national battle to prevent the country’s strategic location from being exploited in support of external agendas that conflict with Yemen’s national interests.
Al-Omari also emphasized that restoring national resources—particularly by resuming oil exports—is a fundamental pillar for strengthening economic sovereignty, supporting the national economy, improving public services, and easing the suffering of citizens.
In the same context, he announced that the Ministry of Transport, operating from the temporary capital Aden, has begun implementing practical measures to translate this vision into action by establishing a High-Level Emergency Committee to monitor developments related to maritime safety, maritime security, the transport sector, and the protection of supply chains.
He said the committee has already held its first meeting to review recent developments and establish the necessary measures to ensure the readiness of the air, maritime, and land transport sectors, while enhancing coordination among the relevant authorities to safeguard national interests and protect the security of Yemeni and international sea lanes.
The transport minister also praised the support provided by Yemen’s regional and international partners, particularly Saudi Arabia, commending what he described as its political, economic, humanitarian, and development assistance in supporting the internationally recognized government and strengthening the resilience of state institutions.
Al-Omari concluded by calling for broad national unity behind the state project and its constitutional institutions, as well as support for the armed forces and security agencies, enabling the government to reestablish sovereignty over all Yemeni territory and territorial waters, reinforce security and stability, and protect international maritime routes.
