Yemen Foreign Minister vows to restore state institutions and secure maritime routes

Yemen's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to restoring state institutions and securing the nation's territory, coasts, and territorial waters. Speaking to Sputnik, Al-Zouba emphasized that recent field developments on the West Coast do not grant the Houthi group the right to impose a fait accompli through force. She noted that the political leadership is following an 'integrated deterrence' approach, combining military response with diplomatic efforts, institutional strengthening, and humanitarian aid.

Regarding maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, Al-Zouba warned that the risks extend beyond navigation disruptions to attempts by armed groups to dictate terms for free and safe passage. She asserted that military control over a geographic location does not grant the right to control maritime navigation and that Yemen's sovereignty remains unchanged by force.

Separately, Yemen's Ministry of Endowments and Guidance issued a statement criticizing remarks made by the Grand Mufti of Oman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad al-Khalili. The Ministry expressed regret and condemnation, arguing that the Mufti's descriptions of the conflict as mere fighting between Yemenis ignore the reality of the Houthi coup and provide moral cover for the Iranian-backed militia.