Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, said on Monday that the latest developments in the country confirm that the Houthi group continues to what he described as "undermining truce efforts and rejecting initiatives aimed at protecting citizens' interests," stressing that protecting Yemen's sovereignty is a national and constitutional duty that cannot be compromised.

In a statement, Al-Alimi added that despite mediation and efforts to contain the situation, the Houthi group had proceeded to receive a new Iranian flight outside what he described as the legal and sovereign frameworks governing civil aviation.

He also noted that the Yemeni government had expressed readiness to resume civilian flights via Yemen Airways, the national carrier, in addition to facilitating the transport of Houthi elements from Tehran to Sanaa via a chartered plane from Yemen Airways, in order to preserve citizens' interests, ensure the continued operation of the airport, and respect the sovereignty of the Yemeni state, according to the statement.

Al-Alimi accused the Houthi group of rejecting these initiatives and seeking to impose a reality outside state institutions, holding them responsible for what he described as escalation and violation of Yemeni sovereignty.

He also affirmed that protecting the country's sovereignty, airspace, and land, sea, and air ports is a national and constitutional duty that cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

The head of the Presidential Leadership Council said the government will continue to raise the readiness of the armed forces and security apparatus, and take the necessary political, diplomatic, and legal measures to protect the country's sovereignty and the security of citizens.

He also called on the international community to take actions beyond condemnation statements and work to implement UN Security Council resolutions on Yemen, including resolutions 2140 and 2216, and enforce relevant sanctions.

Houthi elements in Sanaa, July 11, 2025 - Reuters

Formation of a government team to manage the crisis

The Yemeni Cabinet held an extraordinary meeting on Monday in the interim capital Aden, chaired by Prime Minister Shai’a Mohsen Al-Zindani, to discuss developments related to the recent escalation, following the arrival of a new Iranian flight to Sanaa airport under Houthi control, according to a statement issued by the Cabinet.

The statement said the government decided to declare a state of permanent session to follow up on developments of the crisis and take necessary measures, noting that the decision came after what it described as "exhaustion of initiatives and facilities" aimed at avoiding further escalation.

The Cabinet also announced the formation of a government team to manage the crisis, which will coordinate political, military, diplomatic, legal, and media efforts, and follow up on developments and submit reports on them.

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It also directed the Ministries of Defense and Interior and relevant authorities to raise readiness and take necessary measures to protect the country's sovereignty and security, according to the statement.

The Cabinet held the Houthi group responsible for the escalation and accused Iran of supporting the group, calling on the international community to take actions to curb violations that undermine peace efforts in Yemen and the region.

It is noteworthy that a few days ago, an Iranian Mahan Air plane arrived at Sanaa airport from Tehran, a step the Yemeni government described as "a dangerous escalation" and "a blatant violation of Yemeni sovereignty."

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