Yemen's Shield of the Nation commander: Our fight against Houthis defends land and faith

The commander of Yemen's Shield of the Nation Forces, Major General Abdulrahman Saleh Al-Lahji, said his troops' battle against the Houthis is a defense of land, religion, and honor, rejecting descriptions of the conflict in Yemen as a struggle for influence or political interests. He also affirmed his rejection of any insult directed at Saudi Arabia.

In an official statement today, Al-Lahji said, "Our fight against the Houthis is a defense of land, religion, and honor, not a struggle for interests or gains."

The statement came in response to remarks about the nature of the confrontations in Yemen, which Al-Lahji said ignore the reality of the battle and the sacrifices made by fighters on the front lines.

The Shield of the Nation commander said the confrontation with the Houthi militia stems from a religious and national duty to protect land and dignity, pointing to the militia's crimes against the Yemeni people, including killings, displacement, destruction of homes, and attacks on places of worship and sanctities.

Al-Lahji reiterated his total rejection of any insult against Saudi Arabia, praising its status as the land of the Two Holy Mosques and its place in the hearts of the Arab and Islamic worlds. He also denied allegations that he owns expensive properties in Lahj province or commercial shops in Madinah, describing them as "pure lies and slander," and challenged anyone to provide evidence to support such claims.

The Shield of the Nation commander also affirmed his participation alongside his comrades on the battlefields in deserts and mountains, rejecting any doubts about his presence on the ground or attempts to downplay the fighters' bravery. He questioned the absence of Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi from the front lines with his forces.

Al-Lahji stressed the steadfastness of the military and national position in confronting the Houthi project, saying that media campaigns and attempts to cast doubt will only strengthen the fighters' resolve to continue until complete victory is achieved.

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