Yemen Demands Lebanon Curb Hezbollah's Military Aid to Houthis
Yemen's Foreign Minister calls for joint action with Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollah's military support for Houthi militia.
In a significant diplomatic move, the internationally recognised government of Yemen has called upon the Lebanese government to take decisive and coordinated action to stop the military assistance provided by Hezbollah to the Houthi militia. The call for intervention comes as Yemen seeks to dismantle the logistical and operational networks that allow the Iran-aligned group to support Houthi fighters.
A Call for Joint Security Action
Yemen’s Foreign Minister, Afrah Al-Zouba, expressed her gratitude for Lebanon's official stance regarding Yemen's territorial integrity and unity. However, she emphasized that words must be followed by institutional action. In a statement shared on X, Al-Zouba urged for immediate coordination between the security and intelligence agencies of both nations to curb cross-border militant networks.
The Foreign Minister specifically highlighted the need to follow up on previous government announcements concerning the role of Hezbollah members in supporting the military operations of the Houthi militia, which she described as a terrorist organization. Al-Zouba stressed that joint measures are essential not only to halt current support but to prevent its recurrence in the future.
Support for Lebanese Sovereignty
While demanding a crackdown on Hezbollah's external activities, Yemen reaffirmed its strong support for the sovereignty of the Lebanese state. Al-Zouba stated that Yemen backs Lebanon's efforts to extend its authority over its entire territory, arguing that the Lebanese state should maintain exclusive control over weapons and the critical decisions of war and peace.
"We reaffirm Yemen’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and for the Lebanese state’s efforts to extend its authority over its entire territory and to retain exclusive control over weapons and decisions of war and peace," Al-Zouba noted.
Lebanon's Internal Stance Against 'Futile Adventures'
This diplomatic push follows high-level discussions within the Lebanese government. On November 4, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to review the regional and domestic security landscape. Following this meeting, Prime Minister Salam issued a stern warning against dragging Lebanon into external military conflicts that serve foreign interests.
Prime Minister Salam emphasized that the Lebanese people, particularly those in the south, have already suffered immense losses in terms of lives and livelihoods. He asserted that the nation cannot afford the repercussions of new "futile adventures" and that the fate of the country should not be decided by outside forces or non-state actors.
Condemning Rogue Elements
In a move that aligns with Yemen's concerns, Prime Minister Salam explicitly condemned rogue Lebanese armed elements for engaging in external military operations. He reiterated that the responsibility for protecting Lebanon requires prioritizing national interests and ensuring that the constitutional institutions of the state hold the sole power to decide on warfare.
The Root of the Conflict
The tension stems from long-standing accusations by the Yemeni government. Yemen has repeatedly alleged that Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has provided the Houthi forces with critical military advantages, including:
- Expertise in ballistic missile technology.
- Specialized training for combat drones.
- Operational leadership and strategic guidance.
As both nations navigate these complex regional ties, the call for bilateral cooperation marks a pivotal attempt by Yemen to cut off the external lifelines fueling the Houthi militia's capabilities.