Yemen’s government urges mobilisation and promises amnesty to Houthi defectors

Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, called for general mobilisation on Friday, 25 September, following reported Houthi advances near a vital Red Sea shipping route. [2] [5]

Al-Alimi urged Yemenis to rally behind the armed forces and security services and enlist through official channels. He also promised an amnesty for people leaving the Houthis, offering a route back to those who stop fighting or working for the group. [2]

The promise would cover departures from 25 September, but the general amnesty itself would be issued later under constitutional and legal procedures, he said. Al-Alimi also pledged to regularise the status of army and security personnel while preserving their legally acquired employment rights. [2] [3]

Advances near a key shipping route

The appeal follows gains by the Iran-aligned Houthis along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Reuters reported that the group captured Mocha on 10 September. The following day, four Yemeni government sources told the agency that Houthi forces had reached Perim island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Two government sources said government troops had withdrawn from the island and that the Houthis had also taken the mainland coastal town of Dhubab. [5]

Shipping has continued through the strait. Reuters, citing Kpler tracking data, reported 26 ship transits on 24 September — 12 entering and 14 exiting — little changed from the previous day. [9]

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said maritime navigation remained safe for all shipping except Saudi vessels subject to a previously announced ban, Reuters reported on 11 September. [5]