Yemeni PM: Government rebuilding strength to retake Hodeidah, end Houthi coup

Yemeni Prime Minister Dr. Shaea Al-Zandani said the government will continue efforts to restore state authority and its institutions in Hodeidah province and across all Yemeni territory, while also addressing the humanitarian consequences of military escalation and the growing displacement from areas of the province.

Al-Zandani, speaking during a meeting in Aden with Hodeidah Governor Al-Hasan Taher, stressed that the battle to fully restore state authority "does not end with changes to frontlines." He emphasized that Yemenis confronting the Iran-backed Houthi project are fighting to defend the republic, sovereignty, and the country’s future.

He explained that the state and government are working to rebuild their strength and regain the initiative, with the goal of ending the coup and restoring state authority and institutions in Hodeidah and throughout the country.

Regarding developments on the western coast, the prime minister said: "What is happening on the western coast is a repetition of the Houthi militia’s pattern of subjugating local communities through killing, repression, displacement, and property confiscation," adding that these crimes "will not be forgotten over time."

He noted that the government will preserve all documentation of these violations in preparation for holding the perpetrators accountable.

On the humanitarian front, Al-Zandani directed authorities to intensify efforts to receive displaced people and secure their basic needs, praising the work of local authorities in the provinces and areas hosting them.

The prime minister stressed that the waves of displacement represent a national responsibility requiring a broad governmental and humanitarian response, as well as urgent international support, emphasizing the need not to leave host communities and displaced people to face the consequences of the escalation alone.

The Hodeidah governor briefed the prime minister on the latest developments in the province following the Houthi group’s large-scale military escalation, and the resulting field developments and widespread humanitarian impact on civilians.

He also reviewed the increasing displacement from areas overrun by the group and the violations committed against civilians, including killings and abductions, as well as the conditions of families forced to leave their homes and property under bombardment, attacks, and pursuit.

The meeting also discussed the urgent needs of the displaced and the efforts of local authorities in coordination with government agencies and regional and international partners.