Yemen's Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Mohsen Mohammed Al-Daari, addressed British and French officials on Sunday, September 29, 2024, emphasizing that strengthening the capabilities of the Yemeni armed forces is the best solution to secure global trade routes in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

This statement came during separate meetings with British Ambassador to Yemen, Richard Oppenheim, and the French Ambassador to Yemen, Catherine Corm-Kammoun, where they discussed enhancing security and military cooperation as well as strategies to combat terrorism and ensure maritime security.

Al-Daari highlighted the ongoing attacks by Houthi militias on commercial vessels and maritime navigation, stressing that bolstering the armed forces is essential to counter the threats posed by the Iran-backed Houthi group.

He pointed out the evident collaboration between the Houthis, who are internationally designated as a terrorist organization, and extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, aimed at destabilizing liberated areas.

The minister confirmed that the Yemeni armed forces are coordinating efforts across various units to combat Houthi militias and affiliated terrorist organizations, noting the concessions made by the government in pursuit of sustainable peace.