National Defense Council Approves Permanent Session, Strengthens Readiness to Deter Houthi Attacks

  Riyadh

His Excellency President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, chaired an emergency meeting of the National Defense Council (NDC) today, Friday. It was attended by PLC members: Sultan Al-Arada, Tariq Saleh, Abdulrahman Al-Mahrami, Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi, Othman Mujli, Mahmoud Al-Subaihi, and Salem Al-Khanbashi.

The meeting was also attended by Speaker of the House of Representatives Sheikh Sultan Al-Barakani, Prime Minister Dr. Shai’a Al-Zindani, Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Ahmed Obaid bin Daghr, Chairman of the Consultation and Reconciliation Commission Mohammed Al-Ghaithi, and the relevant ministers and officials who are members of the NDC. It discussed the latest developments on the ground, particularly the terrorist attacks carried out by the Houthi militias using ballistic missiles and drones.

The attacks targeted positions of the Armed Forces, sovereign facilities, civilian targets, citizens’ homes, and displacement camps in the governorates of Marib, Hadramout, and Shabwa. The attacks resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians and military personnel, including women and children.

The NDC extended its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the fallen military personnel and civilians, prayed for the souls of the martyrs, and wished the wounded a speedy recovery. It affirmed that all necessary measures would be taken to provide care for the wounded, honor the martyrs, support their families, and deliver a firm response to the sources of threat and terrorism.

The Council affirmed that these grave national sacrifices would only strengthen the Yemeni people and their armed and security forces in their determination and resolve to complete the battle to restore state institutions and end the coup backed by the Iranian regime. It stressed that this is the genuine pathway to achieving security and stability in Yemen and contributing to the protection of regional security and international maritime navigation.

The Council reiterated that ending the coup is the only way to return Yemen to its normal course, enable state institutions to carry out their duties, resume the payment of public-sector salaries in areas controlled by the terrorist militias and alleviate the suffering of their people, as well as achieve peace and sustainable development.

The Council listened to a detailed reports on the latest developments in the field situation, the level of military readiness, measures taken to protect civilians and contain the consequences of the terrorist attacks. The Council was also briefed on the efforts to strengthen defensive capabilities in a manner that prevents their recurrence and ensures a firm response to various threats.

The Council commended the high level of competence and combat readiness demonstrated by the Armed Forces and security agencies, as well as the sacrifices they continue to make in confronting the Houthi militias and terrorist organizations. It also praised their continued successes in combating terrorism and organized crime, disrupting arms and drug smuggling operations, and making an effective contribution, alongside the international community, to protecting international shipping lanes.

The Council stressed the need to maintain the highest levels of readiness and vigilance and to strengthen coordination and integration among the various military, security, and intelligence units in order to thwart terrorist plots, safeguard national security, and protect citizens and state resources.

The NDC called on all political forces, national components, and media outlets to fulfill their national responsibilities at this critical stage. It urged them to strengthen national alignment behind state institutions, the Armed Forces, and all military formations, and to unify the national discourse. This would help thwart the Houthi militias’ efforts to weaken the internal front and implement their destructive plans.

In a separate development, the NDC welcomed the announcement of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Türkiye, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It described the agreement as an important strategic step toward strengthening collective security, consolidating regional stability, and developing defense cooperation among countries that share common interests. These countries are committed to protecting security and peace and respecting international law.

The Council commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leading role in building responsible regional and international partnerships based on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect. As well as the Council praised the Kingdom’s active contribution to enhancing the security of the region and its waterways, protecting the interests of its peoples, and addressing common challenges in a spirit of responsibility and collective coordination.

The NDC adopted a number of decisions and directives aimed at raising military and security readiness and strengthening civil defense preparedness. The measures also seek to enhance coordination among state institutions and protect civilians and vital facilities. They include ensuring the immediate implementation of measures to deliver a firm response to terrorist attacks and strengthening the state’s capacity to address various challenges.

The Council also approved maintaining its permanent session in order to respond promptly to developments on the ground and security developments and to take the necessary measures on an ongoing basis.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Yahya Al-Shuaibi, Director of the Office of the Presidency of the Republic.