Tariq Saleh: Hodeidah battle is the foremost front against Houthis.
Vice President of the Presidential Leadership Council and Commander of the National Resistance in Yemen, General Tariq Saleh, stressed that the battle of Hodeidah, Tihama, and the coastal strip represents one of the most prominent fronts of the national battle against the Houthi militia, coinciding with the Resistance's announcement of new Houthi losses resulting from strikes carried out south of Hodeidah.
Saleh's statements came during a meeting via video conference with the leadership of the local authority in Hodeidah governorate, attended by Governor Dr. Al-Hassan Taher, members of local councils, executive offices, social figures, scholars, and youth. He began his speech by "reciting Al-Fatiha for the soul of the martyr Yahya Wahish and all the martyrs of the Republic," conveying to everyone the greetings of the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and its members.
The National Resistance commander stated that the forces on the western coast, across their various land, naval, and air units via drone warfare, have become more combat-ready. He added that the recent Houthi attacks have demonstrated the level of coordination and capabilities possessed by the forces, saying: "We are all one hand, we are all one front, and one military unit in confronting this group."
He pointed out the plunder and Houthi oppression suffered by the people of Tihama, calling on social, tribal, and religious leaders, as well as state employees in Houthi-controlled areas, not to be afraid. He reassured citizens that the coming liberation forces are "your sons and brothers," and their goal is to end the Houthis' repressive practices and illegal levies.
He described the leader of the terrorist Houthi militia, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, as a "war criminal" who bears responsibility for shedding Yemeni blood and pushing the deceived to the frontlines to implement an agenda imposed on the militia.
General Tariq Saleh said that the Stockholm Agreement contributed to empowering the Houthis in Hodeidah, affirming that the militia exploits the port of Hodeidah to bring in weapons, missiles, and drones, which allowed them to develop their military capabilities under the cover of this agreement.
He stressed that securing international navigation will not be achieved as long as the Houthis maintain the ability to use missiles and drones to threaten international trade routes, warning that the continued existence of a maritime smuggling outlet will keep a persistent threat to Yemen, the region, and the international community.
He touched on the humanitarian repercussions of the Houthi attacks on the coast, noting the martyrdom of farmers and a child in strikes targeting areas east of Al-Khokha, and the damage to the livelihoods of fishermen, merchants, and port workers.
General Tariq Saleh stressed the need to unify political, social, and military components, and to overcome disputes and bickering, affirming that the unity of the various fronts has confused the Houthis and thwarted their attempts to isolate each front individually.
He called on leaders and social figures to prevent the leakage of military information, warning against publishing details of operations and movements or exaggerating the results of battles, emphasizing that disciplined military media is the only authority authorized to release information.
He also warned against cooperating with the Houthis in surveillance and reporting on troop movements and coordinates. He called on the people of Hodeidah to protect their children from conscription and being thrown into the frontlines, stressing that "a child's place is school, not battlefields."
In conclusion, General Tariq Saleh called for solidarity and standing behind the forces, affirming that "victory is coming and victory is near" in light of the unified ranks and national will.
