Barran Press
Aref Jamel, the First Deputy Governor of Taiz, located in southwestern Yemen, declared that despite recent developments, the city is on the cusp of a decisive battle against the Houthi group, internationally recognized as a terrorist organization, which he believes only understands the language of force.
Jamel, who also serves as the head of the General People's Congress branch in Taiz, explained that this battle extends beyond the liberation of Taiz, aiming to "purge Yemen of this group (the Houthis) and restore the state and its capital, Sana'a."
In a statement to "Barran Press," Jamel emphasized that the battle to liberate Taiz is the grand project pursued by all forces within the besieged city, which has managed to partially break the siege and normalize daily life.
He added that "the people of Taiz, with their army and resistance, are determined to complete the liberation of the governorate and move towards reclaiming Sana'a and the state institutions."
Jamel highlighted President Rashad al-Alimi's clear stance, stating that "the greatest reward Taiz deserves, after enduring immense suffering and sacrifices, is the completion of its liberation." He added, "No matter how some may try to deviate, this is the current direction."
Jamel also spoke about the early stages of Taiz's resistance, stating that "it shattered the Houthi project from the beginning of the popular resistance, when its people, from all backgrounds, united with the popular resistance." He added that Taiz has "fought the Houthis for 10 years, sacrificing thousands of martyrs and wounded, successfully confronting the Houthi project and breaking its spine."
At the same time, Jamel said that Taiz has managed to restore the state and its institutions during the years of war and the Houthi siege, amidst challenging circumstances. He explained that Taiz was intended to become a swamp for terrorism and gangs, but through its resistance and army, it has managed to solidify the state.
Jamel believes that Taiz today is not the Taiz of yesterday. Security and services have stabilized, and displaced citizens have returned.
The visit of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi to Taiz has brought back questions about the reasons for the stalled liberation of the city and whether the visit will push for the resumption of the liberation operation.
For 10 years, the internationally recognized terrorist group, the Houthis, has imposed a suffocating siege on the city after failing to seize control. The siege was partially broken after the eastern gateway to the city (the Hawban road) was opened under popular pressure that forced the group to open it.