Aden, Yemen - The internationally recognized Yemeni government convened an "exceptional" cabinet meeting on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in the temporary capital of Aden. The meeting focused on bolstering the country's armed forces and their readiness to combat the ongoing Houthi rebellion.

The meeting resulted in the formation of an eight-minister committee tasked with developing an implementation matrix to address the urgent needs of the armed forces. The committee will base its work on a report submitted by the Ministry of Defense.

The committee will consist of representatives from the Ministries of Defense, Finance, Oil and Minerals, Public Health and Population, Awqaf (Religious Endowments) and Guidance, Information, Local Administration and Civil Service, Water and Environment, and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.

The cabinet meeting highlighted the crucial role of the Presidential Leadership Council and the government in supporting, reorganizing, and unifying the armed forces under the command of the Ministry of Defense. The meeting emphasized the need to develop new military tactics and strategies, strengthen front-line security, and enhance security at land, sea, and air borders.

The Ministry of Defense presented a comprehensive report to the cabinet outlining the current military and operational situation. The report detailed efforts to improve performance, enhance training and qualification, strengthen logistical support and human resources, and address existing needs and challenges.

The report also included an assessment of the combat readiness, armament, and logistical capabilities across various fronts. It addressed the status of armed forces personnel, proposed improvements to their conditions, and outlined plans to support the families of martyrs and treat wounded soldiers.

The cabinet pledged to provide maximum support to the military institution, ensuring its necessary resources to fulfill its national duty during this critical period. The government committed to meeting the armed forces' needs to enable them to continue executing their current and future tasks.

The cabinet commended the high discipline and combat readiness of the armed forces and security personnel, praising the efforts of the Minister of Defense in enhancing the performance of this sovereign ministry to fulfill its significant responsibilities in completing the restoration of the state and ending the coup.

The Prime Minister presented the government's vision, emphasizing the utmost priority of strengthening the leading role of the armed forces and security in the battle to restore the state, combat terrorism, and fulfill the aspirations of the Yemeni people to end the coup.

Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak reiterated that the Yemeni people's struggle against the Houthi coup and its Iranian backing is a battle for existence and destiny, requiring unwavering support for the armed forces and security.

He also affirmed the government's commitment to building a strong army based on institutional and professional principles, ensuring the neutrality of the army and security forces from political conflicts, addressing the needs of personnel, and providing support to the front lines until victory is achieved in the battle to end the coup and restore the state.

The Prime Minister urged the military institution to continue its efforts in implementing financial and administrative reforms, recognizing them as crucial for the revival of this national institution and improving the conditions of its personnel across all ranks.

Despite the government's efforts, the armed forces continue to face challenges, including a lack of coordination and administrative and operational integration between the armed forces and military formations under the Presidential Leadership Council. The forces also struggle with irregular salary payments, limited resources, and insufficient weaponry and maneuver capabilities.