Yemen's Minister of Civil Service and Insurance Salem Abubakr Thabit al-Awlaqi discussed Monday the significance of the government's steadfastness in Aden and the implications of recent Houthi attacks targeting the city.
Southern Yemen's port city Aden serves as the capital of the country's internationally recognized government. The city has recently been targeted by a wave of Houthi attacks, including strikes on Aden International Airport and the presidential headquarters.
"Certainly, the government's presence in Aden during these circumstances holds very important symbolism -- symbolism for the legitimate government and state institutions in general, as well as symbolism regarding the state of stability and calm in the capital, Aden, and all liberated governorates," Al-Awlaqi said in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN)
He noted that the violence is a deliberate tactic aimed at disrupting the state's operations.
"Undoubtedly, the terrorist acts and terrorist raids launched by the Houthi militias on Aden International Airport and Al-Ma'ashiq Palace in recent days aim to create a state of confusion and impose complexities and challenges related to the security file for the government," said Al-Awlaqi.
Despite the security challenges, the minister stressed that the government's operations remain uninterrupted and that the attacks will not force them to relocate or halt their work.
"However, what must be emphasized here is that the government is present in Aden, performing its duties to the fullest, playing its role in supporting and backing the frontlines, and maintaining the existing state of stability. Under no circumstances can the Houthi militias impose any new equation in this regard; the government is present inside the country and will continue to shoulder its national responsibilities from within," he said.
Al-Awlaqi also attributed the recent escalation in attacks to the Houthi militias' recent military defeats, noting a pattern of retaliatory violence whenever they face setbacks on the ground.
"Furthermore, there is another indicator provided by these raids, which relates to the scale of field losses suffered by the Houthi militias on the Bab al-Mandab, Dhubab, and Taiz city frontlines, as well as the airstrikes carried out by the Arab Coalition aircraft over the past weeks. We have grown accustomed over the past years to the fact that every setback and loss suffered by the Houthi militias is met by them with air raids and terrorist acts," he said.
Al-Awlaqi reaffirmed the government's resolve to maintain its presence and continue its military and administrative efforts.
"However, as I mentioned a moment ago, we are present in Aden and performing our duties fully. State institutions cannot stop performing their tasks, especially at this time when the government and its allies are conducting military operations against the Houthi militias," he said.
Yemeni minister on government's steadfastness in Aden
