Barran Press
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Houthi movement classified as a terrorist organization, expressed his deep regret over the advances of Syrian opposition forces, urging his supporters to remain vigilant and mobilized.
In a recorded speech broadcast by the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah channel, al-Houthi stated, “When the fires of discord are stoked in countries neighboring Palestine, it serves the Israeli enemy directly. This is very regrettable,” referring specifically to the situation in Syria.
He posed a rhetorical question to the Syrian opposition forces, which he referred to as “liberators of Greater Syria,” asking, “Isn’t Palestine the most sacred cause in Syria, and isn’t its liberation from occupation the foremost priority?”
Amid fears that the scenario unfolding in Syria could replicate in Yemen, al-Houthi called for heightened awareness and a general mobilization among his followers to “keep their eyes open to events and realities.”
He emphasized the importance of mobilization, stating, “The mobilization process is extremely important. Popular activities continue widely in training and preparation, military movements, and maneuvers. I urge anyone who is able to join mobilization courses to do so.”
Since November 27, Syrian opposition factions have engaged in clashes with regime forces in various regions, entering Aleppo on Friday and securing control of Idlib the following day. Following these victories, the opposition has continued its advance toward Hama, seizing the city and several surrounding villages on Thursday.
This unexpected collapse of Iranian-backed forces in Syria has raised concerns among other Iranian-affiliated groups in the region, particularly the Houthis, who have been engaged in a war against the internationally recognized Yemeni government for nearly a decade, receiving comprehensive support and funding from Iran.
Over the past nine days, the Houthis have closely monitored the developments in Syria with significant concern, as reflected in the speeches and comments of their leaders across media outlets and social media platforms.
While the Houthi response has aligned with Iranian narratives, claiming that the events in Aleppo are part of a “U.S.-Israeli scheme,” Houthi leaders have warned against any military action directed at them in Yemen.
Earlier, Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi Political Council, referred to ongoing attempts by what he described as the “American enemy and its British ally” to provoke unrest in Yemen, threatening to confront any escalation against his group.