Sana'a: Member of the Supreme Political Council, Dr. Abdulaziz Saleh Bin Habtoor, has voiced strong criticism of Saudi Arabia's actions in Yemen's southern and eastern governorates. He argues that these practices are not about safeguarding the region or supporting local causes, but rather an attempt to impose external guardianship and keep Yemen's decisions aligned with Riyadh's political and security interests.
According to Yemen News Agency, Dr. Bin Habtoor stated that the core issue for Yemenis is not the variety of visions and demands they hold, but the manipulation of these differences to serve external interests that do not benefit the Yemeni people. He stressed that Saudi Arabia's engagement with Yemeni factions is based on their independence from Saudi influence, rather than their geographical or political affiliations. As a result, the people in the south have not been immune to Saudi interventions and the realignment of forces dictated by Saudi policies.
Dr. Bin Habtoor urged residents of the southern and eastern governorates not to let their legitimate causes fuel conflicts that do not serve their interests. He emphasized that their rights should be addressed through fair treatment, which respects their dignity and ends exclusion and domination. He clarified that Sana'a views the residents of these regions not as adversaries, but as compatriots facing a common threat of external influence.
He further explained that the ongoing battle is not against any Yemeni region or faction, but against a project aiming to keep Yemeni decision-making under Riyadh's control, affecting Yemen's wealth and resources. He emphasized that this threat targets all Yemenis, regardless of their regional affiliation.
Dr. Bin Habtoor expressed confidence that the southern and eastern residents understand that those pushing them to conflict are more concerned with their own interests than the future of Yemen. He stressed that the southern cause should not be pursued through internal conflict or foreign subservience, but through reclaiming Yemeni decision-making from foreign hands.
He concluded by urging Yemenis to choose a path that restores national autonomy and fosters dialogue. He warned that failing to do so would leave Yemen vulnerable to external projects, further depleting the nation. The choice, he stated, lies between reclaiming national decision-making or leaving Yemen's future to external influences.