[08/08/2026 12:04]

RIYADH – SABA

His Excellency President Dr. Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi, the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, chaired an emergency meeting of the National Defense Council.

The meeting, attended by members of the Presidential Leadership Council, including Sultan al-Arada, Tariq Saleh, Abdulrahman al-Mahrami, Dr. Abdullah al-Alimi, Othman Majali, Mahmoud al-Subaihi and Salem Al-Khanbashi.

The meeting was attended by Speaker of the House of Representatives Sheikh Sultan al-Barakani, Prime Minister Dr. Shaya Zindani, Chairman of the Shura Council Dr. Ahmed Obaid bin Daghr, Chairman of the Consultation and Reconciliation Commission Mohammed al-Ghaithi and other relevant ministers and officials serving on the National Defense Council.

The Council reviewed the latest developments on the ground, particularly what it described as terrorist attacks by the Houthi militias using ballistic missiles and drones against military positions, sovereign facilities, civilian property, citizens' homes and displacement camps in the governorates of Marib, Hadramout and Shabwa.

The attacks resulted in deaths and injuries, including among women and children.

The Council expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the military and civilian victims, prayed for the souls of those killed, and wished the wounded a speedy recovery.

It affirmed that all necessary measures would be taken to provide medical care for the injured, honor the fallen, support their families, and respond firmly to sources of terrorism and threats.

The Council said the heavy national sacrifices would only strengthen the resolve of the Yemeni people and the country's armed and security forces to continue efforts to restore state institutions and end the coup it said is backed by the Iranian regime.

It described this as the key to restoring security and stability in Yemen and contributing to the protection of regional security and international maritime navigation.

It reiterated that ending the coup remains the only path to restoring Yemen to its normal course, enabling state institutions to perform their functions, resuming the payment of public-sector salaries in areas controlled by the Houthi militias, alleviating the suffering of residents there, and laying the groundwork for peace and sustainable development.

The Council reviewed detailed briefings on the military situation, the level of operational readiness, measures to protect civilians, efforts to contain the impact of the attacks, and plans to strengthen defensive capabilities and prevent similar attacks in the future.

It praised what it described as the high level of professionalism and combat readiness of the armed forces and security services, as well as their sacrifices in confronting the Houthi militias and terrorist organizations.

The Council also highlighted their continued efforts against terrorism and organized crime, arms and drug smuggling, and their contribution, alongside the international community, to safeguarding international shipping routes.

The Council called for the highest levels of readiness and vigilance to be maintained and for closer coordination among military, security and intelligence units.

It said these measures were necessary to thwart terrorist plots, protect national security, and safeguard civilians and state assets.

The Council also called on political forces, national actors, and media outlets to assume their national responsibilities during what it described as a critical period. It urged them to strengthen unity behind state institutions, the armed forces, and all military formations, and to promote a unified national narrative aimed at undermining Houthi efforts to weaken the domestic front and advance their destabilizing agenda.

Separately, the National Defense Council welcomed the announcement of the Mecca Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, describing it as an important strategic step toward strengthening collective security, promoting regional stability, and expanding defense cooperation among countries with shared interests and a commitment to security, peace, and international law.

The Council praised Saudi Arabia's leadership in building responsible regional and international partnerships based on cooperation and mutual respect.

It also commended the Kingdom's role in strengthening regional security and protecting maritime routes, safeguarding the interests of the region's peoples, and addressing common challenges through coordinated action.

The National Defense Council adopted a number of decisions and directives aimed at raising military and security readiness, strengthening civil defense capabilities, improving coordination among state institutions, protecting civilians and vital facilities, and ensuring the immediate implementation of measures to respond firmly to terrorist attacks and enhance the state's capacity to address emerging threats.

The Council also decided to remain in permanent session to ensure an immediate response to developments on the ground and evolving security conditions and to take whatever measures may be necessary on an ongoing basis.

---