Sana'a: Supreme Political Council member Dr. Abdulaziz bin Habtour praised the readiness of the Yemeni Armed Forces to defend Yemen and its people. According to Yemen News Agency, Ben Habtour stated that the Yemeni response was a direct result of Saudi Arabia's escalation, its refusal to engage with the requirements for peace, and its continued blockade, economic pressure, military mobilization, and attacks, culminating in recent crimes against civilians and inmates at the Central Prison in Al-Jawf Governorate.
He criticized Saudi Arabia for demanding respect for its sovereignty and right to self-defense while violating Yemen's sovereignty and targeting its people. Ben Habtour emphasized that sovereignty is not an exclusive right, and Yemen cannot be expected to remain passive in the face of such actions. He expressed regret that some countries quickly condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia while remaining silent about the targeting of Yemeni civilians and inmates at the Central Prison in Al-Jawf, describing this as a double standard that undermines the credibility of claims to protect civilians and respect sovereignty.
Ben Habtour argued that Saudi Arabia's talk of peace loses its meaning and credibility amid continued blockade and escalation. He stressed that peace is demonstrated through actions, including ending attacks and escalation, lifting the blockade, addressing outstanding humanitarian and economic issues, and respecting Yemen's sovereignty, independence, and the rights of its people. He urged residents of the southern governorates not to join Saudi-led mobilization and battles, advising against allowing the people of the south to be used as fuel for Saudi projects of control over Yemen.
Ben Habtour reaffirmed that the Yemeni people do not seek escalation but will not accept turning de-escalation into a cover for continued blockade and violations of sovereignty. He asserted that those who want peace must prove it through action, emphasizing that Yemen's sovereignty, security, and the rights of its people are not subject to compromise or infringement. Yemen will continue to defend its land and dignity until the attacks stop, the blockade is lifted, and its full sovereignty is safeguarded.
