Sana’a Declares Heightened Combat Readiness on the Maritime Front to Counter any American Aggression
In response to the recent arrival of additional United States forces in the Red Sea, Yemen’s capital city of Sana’a has issued stern warnings regarding maritime security and the potential repercussions of any violations of Yemeni territorial waters. This move by the United States, which Yemeni leadership asserts disrupts the peace in the region, has prompted Sana’a to heighten the combat readiness of its naval forces in anticipation of potential emergencies.
Yemen’s Call for Heightened Naval Readiness
Late last week, a significant development occurred when Yemen’s Defense Minister Major General Mohammed Nasir Al-Atifi convened an extraordinary meeting with the Naval Forces Command. He issued a directive aimed at escalating the combat and military readiness of Yemen’s naval and coastal defense forces to a level that enables them to execute any military tasks necessary for the protection of the nation’s maritime sovereignty.
Major General Al-Atifi issued a stark warning to the encroaching Western forces, who he assures are infiltrating the region, including Yemeni territories under occupation. He cautioned these forces about the uncertain outcomes they may face.
The United States recently announced the deployment of approximately three thousand navy personnel, accompanied by warships and fighter jets to the Red Sea. This action, a part of an earlier decision to bolster the US military presence in the region’s waterways, is perceived by Yemen as a direct threat.
Asserting Sovereignty and Upholding Peace
Major General Al-Atifi further elucidated that Yemen’s navy is striving to assert complete sovereignty over their territorial waters and establish a robust military presence within the crucial geographical areas encompassing Yemen. He affirmed that Western forces have no right to infringe upon Yemeni sovereignty or assert their influence over Yemeni waters, regardless of any justifications they may present.
Al-Atifi urged the international community to acknowledge that peace, respect for national sovereignty, and the freedom and independence of nations are the only viable means of safeguarding international interests. He also highlighted attempts by Western forces to establish a new status quo in international waters, under the guise of combating piracy and smuggling.
The Defense Minister issued further warnings, emphasizing that any deviation from agreed-upon terms would have serious consequences. He stated that the antagonistic nations must be prepared to bear these outcomes, as Yemen’s national leadership has refuted all enemy arguments and has made every effort to facilitate the success of the United Nations-supervised peace process.
Vigilance Against Potential Violations
Meanwhile, Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Mansour Ahmed Al-Saadi sounded a warning about the potential repercussions of any violation of Yemeni maritime sovereignty. He noted that the naval movements of the hostile forces are under constant surveillance, with their coordinates continually updated. Al-Saadi emphasized the qualitative capabilities of the Yemeni navy to confront any hostile action.
In the same vein, Coastal Defense Forces Commander Major General Mohammed Al-Qadiri informed Al-Masirah Arabic channel that the US forces have been under close observation since their entry into the Suez Canal. He asserted that Yemeni forces are prepared to respond and deter if these forces encroach upon Yemeni territorial waters.
Al-Qadiri added that the military presence of US and Zionist forces in the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb is provocative. He stated that the Yemeni navy has developed its capabilities in an unprecedented manner during periods of truce and de-escalation, and it is prepared with strategic surprises for any potential adversaries.
This clear communication puts the United States in the face of a new reality, one where disregard for Yemen’s sovereignty could have severe consequences. Any violation by US forces might trigger a conflict which a deputy foreign minister previously characterized as the “longest and most costly”. This implies that relying on military capabilities and international influence no longer guarantees immunity for America in the region, especially as new equations of power have emerged and could be forcefully applied if Washington resists.
US Escalation Efforts: A Threat to Regional Peace
In addition to these military warnings, Yemen’s Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Al-Ezzi stated that the arrival of US combat forces at this sensitive time does not promote peace or the safety of navigation in the Red Sea. He characterized this move as part of US escalatory efforts, which are being implemented under the false pretenses of ensuring navigation safety and combating smuggling.
Al-Ezzi stressed that Yemen is at war with America, warning against any miscalculations. He emphasized that Sanaa’s warnings to the American side are rooted in a concern for navigational safety in the Red Sea, a crucial passageway for the entire world. He stressed the importance of avoiding military provocations from any party for the safety of navigation in the Red Sea.
In his final remarks, Al-Ezzi confirmed that the concept of a new Middle East has effectively collapsed with the rising awareness of the region’s people. He advised that the Americans should reassess their stance, indicating that an increased US presence will not yield any benefits for America.