Mohammed Taher Anem, an advisor to Yemen’s Supreme Political Council, has voiced concerns over the significant military actions taken by Sanaa forces against those supporting Saudi Arabia. He argues that Saudi Arabia’s failure to effectively respond to these attacks should prompt Saudi-allied forces to rethink their position before it’s too late.
Saudi Arabia’s Military Vulnerability
In comments made on Al-Masirah television, Anem highlighted the declining effectiveness of the Saudi military machine, suggesting that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is increasingly intimidated by Yemen’s advancing military capabilities. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia has faced numerous setbacks, including attacks on critical infrastructure such as airports and oil facilities. Anem indicated that these persistent blows are contributing to Saudi Arabia’s confusion and desperation, as the regime shifts blame onto Iraq for the attacks rather than acknowledging the capability of Yemen’s forces.
He emphasized that Saudi media is attempting to suppress coverage of these military setbacks, which reflects a significant level of fear and cowardice among Saudi leaders. Anem asserted that Riyadh is acutely aware of Yemen’s ability to target key sites within its territory, risking catastrophic damage to its economy.
A Call to Yemeni Collaborators
Turning his attention to Yemeni forces aligned with Saudi Arabia, Anem expressed that these individuals must recognize their precarious situation. He accused them of being manipulated by the Saudi regime, which seeks to exploit them while simultaneously flooding their camps with foreign fighters and terrorists aligned with Saudi interests. Anem questioned their lack of awareness, urging them to reflect on the ongoing attacks against Saudi forces that have persisted for over two weeks.
He stated that Saudi naval vessels are under consistent threat, revealing that the Saudi elite continue to remain unresponsive, driven by a mix of cowardice and fear of retaliation from Yemen. Anem also detailed specific sites that have been targeted, including major airports and oil facilities, indicating that these actions are ongoing and relentless.
A Justification for Retaliation
Anem asserted that Yemen’s military operations against Saudi forces are justified as part of an ongoing resistance to foreign aggression. He noted that Yemen’s leadership has made every effort to resolve the hostilities through diplomatic channels, only to be met with continued aggressions. This has prompted Yemen’s leadership to adopt a strategy of “blockade for blockade and aggression for aggression,” reinforcing their resolve to counter any hostilities.
Meanwhile, Mohammed al-Farah, a member of the political bureau of the Ansarullah movement, firmly rejected the notion of a civil war in Yemen, framing the conflict as a struggle against foreign occupation. He highlighted the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the Saudi-led effort to subjugate Yemen, indicating that such actions would not provoke silence from Sanaa.
Repercussions of Foreign Intervention
Al-Farah reiterated that any violation of Yemeni sovereignty, whether by land, sea, or air, would meet with a strong and calculated response from Yemeni forces. The Yemeni leadership maintains that a single strike against Saudi Arabia could dismantle the interests it has worked to establish in Yemen over the last century. He criticized the Saudi regime for neglecting the safety and interests of its citizens, stating that escalating violence only highlights the disdain Saudi Arabia has for stability within its borders.
He concluded by asserting that Yemen would not comply with any imposed realities through aggression or the use of proxy forces, standing ready to defend its sovereignty against any aggressors. In light of these events, it is clear that tensions in the region continue to escalate, with serious implications for both sides involved in this protracted conflict.