President Al-Zubaidi: Houthi Militias Will Remain Persistent Threat to Regional Security Unless Fully Eradicated

President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), highlighted that securing vital international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden requires the complete elimination of Iran-backed Houthi militias.

During a virtual meeting on Tuesday with U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Mr. Steven Fagin, the president asserted that these militias will continue to jeopardize the regional security and stability unless they are completely destroyed and a new reality is established in the country.

President Al-Zubaidi emphasized during the meeting the critical need for coordinated local, regional, and international efforts to counter Iran's expansionist project in the region, pointing out that Tehran has long sought to dominate key international waterways in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest political and military developments in the country amid ongoing escalation by the Houthi militias in international maritime lanes and continued U.S. airstrikes aimed at dismantling the military capabilities of the militias and thwarting their terrorist schemes.

Both sides agreed on the necessity of continued precision strikes until all military objectives are achieved—including the destruction of Iran-backed militia facilities, weapons depots, missile and drone launch sites, as well as Houthi command-and-control centers.

The two sides also reviewed concrete steps to enforce the U.S. designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), including tightening control over implementing international sanctions targeting the militia and its financial networks, and the critical need for the government to actively implement these measures and ensure compliance at the local level.

On the political front, the two sides discussed the need for a unified stance within PLC to adapt to rapid regional shifts and agreed on closer coordination with regional and international partners to eliminate the Houthi threat, safeguard international shipping lanes, and restore security and stability to the region.

At the end of the meeting, President Al-Zubaidi expressed deep appreciation for the USA's steadfast support under all circumstances and reiterated that strategic partnerships with the United States and friendly countries remain vital pillars for the security and stability of the entire region.