Yemen envoy highlights Morocco’s backing as government forces advance against Houthis

Yemen has not requested military assistance from Morocco while its government forces continue a campaign to regain control of the country from Houthi rebels, Yemen’s ambassador to Morocco said on Wednesday.

Ambassador’s assessment of Morocco’s role

Ezzedine Saeed Al-Asbahi, speaking at a news conference at the Yemeni Embassy in Rabat, said Yemenis view Morocco positively because it has consistently supported their country at critical moments.

He declared, “Morocco stands with Yemen,” referring to a message King Mohammed VI sent to Saudi Arabia following recent developments, and added that Morocco’s position was well established and required no further confirmation.

The ambassador also praised Morocco’s political stability and development, recalling its participation in the Saudi‑led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 against the Houthis.

He noted that Moroccan pilot Yassine Bahti was killed when his F‑16 fighter jet crashed in Yemen while taking part in that military campaign.

Al-Asbahi said Morocco’s support for Yemen goes beyond military cooperation to include backing for the country’s territorial integrity, stability and peace efforts.

He added that Yemen has consistently supported Morocco’s territorial integrity since Morocco gained independence, including its claim to the disputed Western Sahara.

Yemen’s internal military push

The remarks come as Yemen’s internationally recognised government seeks to restore state authority across the country.

On 5 October, Rashad Mohammed al‑Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, announced the launch of Operation Dawn of Yemen, aimed at restoring state institutions, reclaiming Sanaa and ending Houthi control.

Yemen’s Foreign Ministry said the operation seeks to end the Houthi takeover and re‑establish government authority throughout the country.

The ministry also said any future political process must restore state institutions, bring weapons under state control and safeguard Yemen’s unity, sovereignty and independent decision‑making.

Broader security perspective

Al-Asbahi said Yemen had previously pursued de‑escalation following the Stockholm agreements, which he described as part of efforts to halt military operations and establish a lasting truce.

However, he said the latest military campaign had been presented as necessary to restore state institutions and protect Yemen’s stability and regional security.

The ambassador argued that the conflict is no longer solely a domestic issue and called on the international community to take greater responsibility for addressing what he described as the threat posed by the Houthis.

He said the group poses a challenge not only to Yemen’s national security but also to regional and international security.