Barran Press
In an exclusive interview with "Barran Press," Major General Sager Hamoud bin Aziz, Chief of Staff of the Yemeni Armed Forces, emphasized the profound significance of the September 26 and October 14 revolutions for Yemenis. He stated that the September 26 Revolution established equality in rights and duties among the Yemeni people.
General bin Aziz asserted that the culture of the Yemeni revolution "cannot be erased by the Houthis, Iran, or anyone else." He noted that while some misguided youth may be misled, they are a minority and will not gain acceptance among the Yemeni populace.
Reflecting on the importance of these revolutions, he stated, "They mean a great deal to Yemen and Yemenis; their memory is significant for all the free people of Yemen." He underscored the ongoing commitment to commemorating the September Revolution, which he described as the movement that brought Yemenis from darkness into light, justice, equality, and respect for differing opinions.
The general highlighted the achievements of the September and October revolutions, noting that they led to numerous accomplishments, including a crucial intellectual revolution that opposes the sectarian Imami ideology. He particularly pointed out the significance of Yemeni unity as one of its major outcomes.
Addressing the dangers of the Imami project, he explained that it has been operating secretly since the revolution but now has a more visible presence, with covert leaders attempting to revert Yemen to pre-1962 conditions. He emphasized that neglect and lack of attention from various sectors have allowed this project to persist.
According to General bin Aziz, the new Imami agenda, backed by Iran, has evolved from merely perpetuating ignorance and starvation to incorporating violence, displacement, and the suppression of enlightened voices.
He remarked, "The current project is different from the past; Iran has developed it into a system of killing and destruction, utilizing Iranian experts within Houthi-controlled areas to refine their tools of oppression against the Yemeni people."
The army chief stated that it is natural for past and present Imams to harbor resentment towards the September 26 Revolution, as it liberated the Yemeni people from their control and ushered in freedoms and democracy that preserved their dignity.
He added, "Despite the Houthis ruling with an iron fist, the Yemeni people are increasingly aware and resistant to their ideology. This will be evident in the upcoming September 26 celebrations, where areas under Houthi control are likely to show heightened interest in the commemoration."
Highlighting the universal values of the September Revolution, General bin Aziz noted that it embodies principles of freedom, justice, and equality, which resonate deeply with those who cherish these ideals.
He expressed confidence that the Yemeni people would continue to uphold the legacy of September 26, urging the legitimate government and its allies to adopt a proactive approach against the destructive cultural narrative propagated by the Houthis.
The general outlined the need for a dual approach combining cultural initiatives with military action, asserting that both strategies must work in tandem to achieve stability in Yemen.
He concluded that the government is committed to this effort, emphasizing the necessity for concerted action from all segments of society to restore stability.
As Yemen prepares to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the republic and the fall of the Imami regime on September 26, 1962, citizens in Houthi-controlled areas are increasingly using social media to express their support for the revolution and their opposition to the current regime. The anniversary has become a platform for voicing discontent with the Houthi rule and demands for the restoration of the republican system.
Many believe that the Houthis are acutely aware of their unpopularity, as they have attempted to absorb public anger by displaying the Yemeni flag alongside "Khomeini Revolution" slogans. However, they have also banned the sale of the Yemeni flag and have targeted activists advocating for the anniversary celebrations.
