The Yemeni province of Taiz, located in the southwest of the country, is set to organize a major public rally tomorrow morning (Monday) to condemn the repeated and brutal Iranian assaults on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
The public event is expected to witness extensive official and popular participation from local authority leaders, political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens of Taiz from all walks of life, eager to express their sincere positions and the gratitude they hold for Saudi Arabia, which has always stood by Yemen, especially Taiz, in various circumstances and times.
Details of the Event
The first deputy governor of Taiz, Dr. Abdulqawi al-Makhlafi, explained that the public rally coincides with the 11th anniversary of Operation Decisive Storm, launched by the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia on March 26, 2015, in response to a request from Yemen's legitimate leadership. Al-Makhlafi affirmed that the decisive military support from Saudi Arabia has thwarted the ambitions of the Houthis and disrupted the chaos they advocate, liberating more than 75% of Yemeni territory.
Al-Makhlafi noted that Taiz cannot forget the great positions of Saudi Arabia and its support during the most challenging times, where the Kingdom provided assistance and lifted the siege on the city, establishing the road linking it to the temporary capital, Aden. Yemenis have raised their voices high, saying: "Thank you, Salman, the King of Resolve and Determination," in appreciation of the Kingdom's pioneering positions towards Yemen.
Context and Background
The first deputy governor of Taiz expressed the local authority's condemnation of the blatant Iranian aggression against Saudi Arabia and the Arab Gulf states, pointing out that Saudi Arabia is not a party to the ongoing conflicts but has made significant efforts in mediation to contain tensions and prevent the expansion of war. However, Iran has responded to all this with repeated targeting of civilian facilities and vital installations, which constitutes a blatant violation of international laws and humanitarian norms.
Al-Makhlafi highlighted that the Iranian assaults come within the context of plans aimed at destabilizing the region, clarifying that the scheduled public rally tomorrow is to show solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the affected Arab brotherly countries, driven by the responsibility placed on Yemenis towards their brothers in the Kingdom.
Impact and Consequences
Al-Makhlafi praised the positions of the Kingdom, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in supporting the Yemeni people politically, economically, and humanitarianly. He commended the wisdom and sense of responsibility with which the Kingdom and Arab countries are dealing with these aggressions, contributing to thwarting attempts to expand the conflict.
He also called for a unified and firm Arab stance that puts an end to interventions and aggressive policies, establishing a new phase based on mutual security, respect for national sovereignty, and achieving sustainable stability.
Regional Significance
The head of the media center for the National Resistance, Samir Rashad al-Yousufi, stated that the public event in Taiz reflects the awareness of the Yemeni people regarding their historical alliances, emphasizing that the bond with Saudi Arabia is not a circumstantial choice but rather a steadfast principle in the consciousness of Yemenis. He pointed out that Taiz sends a clear message rejecting the Iranian assaults.
Al-Yousufi confirmed that this message aims to defend Yemeni identity and sovereignty, appreciating the pivotal role played by the Kingdom in supporting the Yemeni legitimacy and enhancing regional stability. He also noted that the event carries more than just a public gathering; it is a message of thanks and loyalty to the brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
For her part, the advisor to the Ministry of Human Rights, lawyer Zaafaran Zayed, affirmed that the authentic Yemeni people cannot forget the support of the Kingdom, pointing out that Saudi Arabia's stance alongside Marib and Taiz allows them to express their positions, which is the simplest model of expressing gratitude.
In conclusion, Dr. Sadiq Hassan Ghaleb al-Shamiri, the Vice President of Taiz University for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, confirmed that standing by the Kingdom today is not merely a political stance but a brotherly, moral, and humanitarian position, a gesture of gratitude to those who have not held back and loyalty to those who have not abandoned.