The coalition destroys Houthi targets in Hodeidah and announces the correction of the situation of Yemenis in Saudi Arabia

The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced that its naval forces carried out a military operation in Hodeidah Governorate as part of its objectives to protect the security of maritime navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The coalition spokesman, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, stated in posts on the “X” platform, on Monday evening, that the operation included the destruction of legitimate military targets belonging to the terrorist Houthi militia.

Major General Al-Maliki indicated that a plan for imminent attacks targeting the waterways south of the Red Sea had been thwarted, confirming the destruction of weapons depots, explosive boat warehouses, and sea mines.

The coalition announced earlier Monday the participation of 100 fighter aircraft in the first hours of Operation “Yemen Dawn,” launched by the Yemeni government to restore state institutions and lands under the control of the militias.

Al-Maliki added that the coalition is carrying out “air support to support the Yemeni armed forces on the ground and around the clock,” indicating that the air force provides protection for the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The coalition spokesman pointed out that 324 “high-value” targets had been destroyed since the start of the operation, stressing the continuation of “dealing with moving targets.”

Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Defense, said that the meeting of the “Political and Defense Strategy Committee” of the “Mecca Defense Alliance” confirmed the solidarity and standing of its countries as one to confront the attacks on the Kingdom and the holy sites, and to activate collective deterrence against them and all those who stand behind them within the framework of the alliance.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey held an emergency meeting of the “Committee” in Riyadh, on Monday, to move forward with the implementation of the provisions of the “Mecca Agreement”, in a way that enhances defense cooperation, continues coordination and consultation, and supports joint deterrence, to protect the security, sovereignty and interests of the states parties.

A joint statement, on Monday, stated that the meeting discussed security developments and threats facing Saudi Arabia, and condemned in the strongest terms the attempt to target Mecca and Medina, and the continuation of attacks on cities and civil and economic facilities, stressing the categorical rejection of any attack or threat to the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.

The committee reviewed the results of the political and military consultations that preceded the meeting, and approved the recommendations submitted to it. It also appointed retired Lieutenant General Noman Mahmoud, from Pakistan, as the first Secretary-General of the “Mecca Defense Alliance” for a period of 3 years.

The attendees decided to move immediately to the stage of institutional activation and practical implementation of joint defense commitments, and to take the necessary measures to provide the agreed-upon military forces and capabilities and quickly deploy them in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the approved arrangements and national legislation of the States Parties, in a way that enhances readiness, military integration, and the collective ability to confront and respond to threats.

The “Mecca Agreement” included considering any attack on one of its parties that affects the collective security of the members, and requires dealing with it in accordance with the alliance’s obligations, which was reaffirmed by the three countries during the meeting. This reflects their common defense mechanism and the interconnectedness of their security and unity in the face of attacks to which any of them is exposed.

The members repeatedly stated that the agreement does not target any country or party, but rather aims to enhance peace and stability in the region, as it is based on the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty of states, cooperation, consultation and coordination, and joint action to confront security challenges and threats.

The statement explained that translating the agreement into practical measures embodies the unity of the three countries and the credibility of their commitment to the joint defense of their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and enhances the effectiveness of deterrence, which indicates, according to observers, that any participation by Pakistan and Turkey in defensive military operations to deal with attacks on Saudi Arabia is required by its provisions.

Pakistan and Turkey renewed their condemnation in the strongest terms of the attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Holy City of Mecca, and stressed that targeting the Holy City of Mecca is an extremely dangerous escalation, a violation of the sanctity of Islamic sanctities, and a provocation to the feelings of Muslims around the world.

The two countries praised the alertness and readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces, and the professional performance and high efficiency they demonstrated in confronting the attacks on the Kingdom and protecting its security and territorial integrity. This praise reflects - according to observers - the full ability of the Kingdom that it has demonstrated over the past years in dealing with threats of all kinds.

In a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday, Saudi Arabia affirmed its inherent right to defend its lands, capabilities, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents, and to take all necessary measures to protect its security in accordance with international laws.

On Monday, the Saudi Ministry of Interior began procedures to correct the conditions of all Yemenis who are in the country irregularly, in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, to respond to the request of the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi.

The Interior Ministry stated, in a statement, that the correction procedures had begun in cooperation with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Human Resources and Social Development and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), as an extension of the continuous support and brotherly positions provided by the Saudi leadership to the Yemeni people.

The statement confirmed that benefiting from the correction requires the presence of a Yemeni passport, explaining that the start date of the procedures and controls will be announced through the official accounts of the Saudi “Passport Directorate” and the relevant authorities.

For his part, Al-Alimi extended his sincere thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the directives to correct the conditions of the Yemenis in Saudi Arabia, stressing that they embody the Kingdom’s strong commitment to supporting Yemen and its people, alleviating their suffering, and achieving their aspirations for security, stability and peace.

In turn, the Yemeni government highly valued this initiative, which embodies the depth of brotherhood and historical ties between the two countries and the two peoples, explaining that it confirms the authentic humanitarian approach of Saudi Arabia in standing by the Yemenis and taking into consideration their situations in various circumstances.

A statement by the Yemeni Council of Ministers confirmed that this initiative was an extension of Saudi Arabia’s fraternal positions and continuous support for Yemen and its people, and reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries, which goes beyond political and economic support to directly standing by the Yemeni people and preserving their dignity.

The Yemeni government renewed its appreciation for Saudi Arabia, its leadership, government and people, stressing that the Kingdom’s positions will remain a matter of deep pride and appreciation among Yemenis, and that this firm brotherhood represents an essential pillar in the path of protecting Yemen and restoring its state, security and stability.