Barran Press
Yemeni Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Mohsen al-Da'ari, stated on Saturday, June 8th, 2024, that opening roads requires a ceasefire agreement to ensure the safety of civilians and travelers. He emphasized that "all roads in different governorates are open on the side of the armed forces and the government."
During a video conference meeting led by the Taiz axis, al-Da'ari clarified that the only entity obstructing roads is the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, "intensifying the suffering of Yemenis." He accused the Houthis of "persisting in their lies, deception, and evasiveness, especially regarding road openings," according to the official Yemeni News Agency (Saba).
Al-Da'ari stressed in his address at the meeting, dedicated to discussing the latest developments on the ground in Taiz, that "decisions to open roads should be made following the directives of the political leadership and through the relevant committees, avoiding randomness and haste."
In this regard, he instructed "raising the level of coordination and security and military integration between the Taiz axis and security agencies to enhance security and stability in the governorate." He held the Houthi group responsible for the lives of citizens and travelers on roads due to the mines and explosives they had planted on various routes.
Earlier today, the local authority in Taiz announced the commencement of works to remove debris and obstacles and pave the "Kamb" road east of the city, which has been under siege by the Houthi group for nine consecutive years.
The Taiz local authority stated that "the road paving works are aimed at welcoming citizens coming from the Houban area, which is under the control of the Houthi group if the Houthis complete their procedures to open the eastern road."
On Friday, June 7th, the Houthi group announced the opening of the "Qasr Roundabout" road east of Taiz. However, activists on social media circulated videos and images of machinery and equipment removing earthen barriers in the Qasr Roundabout area east of Taiz.
Many Yemenis have expressed skepticism about the Houthis' seriousness in opening roads, given their past avoidance of implementing popular and official initiatives aimed at easing the suffering of Yemenis in traveling between governorates.