Houthi's Seizure of Hajj Flights Shows Their True Intentions: Tariq Saleh

Tarig Saleh, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, has condemned the Houthi group's seizure of four Yemeni Airways planes carrying Hajj pilgrims to Sana'a, calling it a clear indication of their approach to peace.

In a statement posted on X platform, seen by Barran Press, on Friday, June 28th, Saleh stated that the Houthis' actions, including their refusal to allow the government to transport pilgrims to their controlled areas, demonstrate their lack of commitment to peace. He further accused the group of prioritizing their interests over the well-being of the Yemeni people, disregarding agreements and international norms.

Saleh emphasized that the Houthi's actions, including the seizure of civilian aircraft and the bombing of civilian ships, are a continuation of their rebellious behavior since their first uprising against the Yemeni Republic in 2004.

Yemeni Airways issued an apology to Hajj pilgrims on Wednesday, June 26th, explaining that they were unable to transport them to Sana'a due to the Houthi's seizure of their planes. The company stated that the Houthi's actions pose a threat to air navigation safety in Yemen and hinder the operation of domestic flights.

The Yemeni Ministry of Transportation, recognized by the international community, confirmed that over 1,300 pilgrims remain stranded at King Abdulaziz International Airport and in the holy lands. They attributed the ongoing violations against the national carrier to the Houthis' freezing of the company's financial assets in March 2023, amounting to over $100 million.