**Yemeni Leader Calls for Mobilization and Offers Amnesty to Houthi Defectors**
*Published on September 26, 2026*
Rashad al-Alimi, the head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, has issued a call for public mobilization to support the Saudi-backed armed forces amid escalating tensions with the Houthi movement. His appeal comes in the wake of significant territorial gains made by the Houthis, particularly towards the strategically vital Bab al-Mandeb strait.
In a recorded address marking the 64th anniversary of the military coup that established the republic in northern Yemen, Al-Alimi urged citizens to rally around their armed and security forces. “I call on the sons of our great people to engage in a general mobilisation and national mobilisation to rally around their armed and security forces, join their ranks through official channels, and contribute each from their respective position in whatever way they can,” he stated.
The Yemeni government, recognized internationally, aims to reclaim control over the capital, Sana’a, which has been under Houthi control since 2014. Al-Alimi emphasized the government’s objective to restore state institutions and assert sovereignty across the country. “Our objective is clear to everyone both at home and abroad: to restore state institutions and exercise their sovereignty over the entire country, including Sana’a,” he said.
In a significant move aimed at undermining Houthi recruitment efforts, Al-Alimi announced an immediate amnesty for any Houthi fighters who choose to defect to government forces. This offer is contingent upon adherence to constitutional and legal processes, signaling a strategic attempt to weaken the rebel group by encouraging defections.
The call for enlistment and the amnesty offer come as the Saudi-led coalition continues to face Houthi attacks. On the same day as Al-Alimi's speech, the coalition reported intercepting a ballistic missile aimed at Khamis Mushait in Saudi Arabia, as well as two drones targeting Riyadh. These incidents highlight the ongoing volatility in the region and the persistent threat posed by the Houthis.
Additionally, military leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan convened for their inaugural meeting under the trilateral defense agreement known as the Mecca Pact. This collaboration underscores the broader regional implications of the conflict and the international community's interest in stabilizing Yemen.
The situation in Yemen remains dire, with ongoing fighting contributing to a humanitarian crisis. According to UNICEF, recent conflicts have displaced approximately 71,000 children, exacerbating issues of malnutrition and access to essential services.
As the Yemeni government seeks to mobilize support and regain lost territory, the outcomes of these initiatives will be closely monitored, both domestically and internationally. The call for enlistment and the offer of amnesty may play crucial roles in shaping the future dynamics of the conflict, as the government strives to counter the Houthi influence and restore stability to the war-torn nation.