Hodeida: Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on Friday in 317 squares across Hodeida province and its districts in unprecedented mass rallies under the slogan "Friday of Mobilization and Warning."
According to Yemen News Agency, the demonstrations followed a call by revolutionary leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi to raise readiness for a potential confrontation with Saudi Arabia. Participants, led by Governor Abdullah Atifi, members of parliament and the Shura Council, First Deputy Governor Ahmed Al-Bishri, deputy governors, and local officials, carried banners warning Saudi Arabia against attempts to impose its authority over Yemen.
They declared their readiness to support the armed forces and defend the country's sovereignty and resources. Speakers at the rallies warned that efforts to starve the Yemeni people would be met with force, stating that military response options were prepared in line with the leadership's directives.
They expressed full support for recent statements by Sanaa leadership and the armed forces, pledging backing for the missile force, drone units, and naval forces, while reaffirming their readiness to join military fronts if Saudi Arabia, the United States, or Israeli enemy escalated the conflict.
Addressing Saudi Arabia directly, participants said Yemen had become stronger and more united and remained prepared to defend the country and break the blockade. They described the demonstrations as a message that Yemenis remained committed to freedom, dignity, and independence.
The crowds strongly condemned the recent Saudi airstrike on Sana'a International Airport, saying it obstructed the arrival of a civilian aircraft carrying patients, stranded travelers, and passengers. They described the attack as an extension of the blockade imposed on Yemen for more than 11 years.
Participants held Saudi Arabia fully responsible for the consequences of its actions, accusing it of tightening the blockade, increasing economic pressure, and delaying implementation of peace commitments and humanitarian measures. They warned that the patience of the Yemeni people and armed forces would not last indefinitely.
The demonstrators also rejected attempts by the Saudi-led coalition to impose restrictions and control over Yemen, asserting that such efforts would fail in the face of popular resistance. They said the era of external dictates had ended and warned that any new aggression would receive a decisive response.
The rallies renewed calls to continue efforts to end the blockade, expel foreign forces from Yemen, and restore what participants described as the country's looted resources. Participants also condemned continued U.S. military actions against Iran, arguing that international silence had encouraged Washington to continue its policies.
They expressed support for what they described as the Axis of Resistance, including Iran, Hezbollah, and Palestinian groups. The rallies declared full authorization for revolutionary leader Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi to take decisions aimed at protecting Yemen's sovereignty, reopening all airports and ports, lifting the blockade, and recovering oil revenues and sovereign resources.
They reiterated support for the Palestinian cause and Gaza, praised Iran's efforts to send civilian flights carrying patients and stranded Yemenis, and called for increased military readiness. The rallies also urged the armed forces to intensify military responses according to the principle of reciprocity, including airport for airport and blockade for blockade, while affirming continued mobilization and preparedness for any future escalation.