Tareq Saleh announces preparations for battle to reclaim Sana’a and Hodeidah

Tareq Saleh, a member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and commander of the National Resistance Forces, has announced preparations for a “decisive battle” to reclaim Sana’a and Hodeidah from Houthi control.

Speaking to local leaders and tribal figures in the Mokha and Mawza districts, Saleh stated that the ultimate goal is to restore state institutions and end Houthi dominance. He characterized recent Houthi escalations—including attacks on civilian infrastructure and shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab—as part of an Iranian-backed project to disrupt maritime trade and close vital outlets like the Port of Mokha.

Saleh reported that the West Coast recently faced 56 ballistic missiles and 44 suicide drones. While he noted these attacks caused damage to civilian facilities and ports, he claimed they failed to achieve their primary military objectives. He emphasized that Yemeni forces have developed new tactical capabilities, particularly in drone technology and artillery, which have disrupted Houthi and Iranian-backed operations. Additionally, he highlighted the success of the Yemeni Navy and Coast Guard in intercepting Iranian arms smuggling networks intended for Hodeidah.