After Parliament's Approval: What We Know About General Mobilization in Yemen

On Monday, the Yemeni House of Representatives approved a request by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi to declare general mobilization to confront "the Houthi military escalation, protect citizens, and defend the republican system, constitutional legitimacy, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity."

The approval came after a speech delivered by Al-Alimi on the occasion of the anniversary of the September 26 Revolution, in which he called on Yemenis to mobilize, rally, and join the armed forces and security agencies through official channels. The parliament clarified that the decision takes effect from the date of its announcement.

The House of Representatives praised "the legendary steadfastness of the Yemeni people in confronting the terrorist Houthi militias, and their rallying around constitutional legitimacy under the leadership of the Head of the Presidential Leadership Council, in the battle to defend the revolution, unity, the republican system, and eternal national gains."

On what basis was the decision built?
The process began with Al-Alimi's speech, before he submitted a memo to the House of Representatives requesting approval for the declaration of general mobilization. The council reviewed the memo during a meeting held via video link chaired by Sultan Al-Barkani, then announced its approval.

Following a meeting with several governors and military and security leaders, Al-Alimi directed the acceleration of the implementation of the general mobilization decision.

The council explained that its approval was based on the constitution and prevailing laws, including the General Reserve Law, the National Defense Council Law, and the Civil Defense Law.

According to the decision, mobilization begins from the date of its announcement and ends when the reasons that prompted it cease, meaning it is not tied to a specific time limit.

What does general mobilization mean?
Al-Alimi described general mobilization as "not merely a gathering of fighters," but rather a comprehensive national mobilization of human, material, and moral resources, aimed at enhancing the capacity of state institutions, the armed forces, and security agencies to perform their duties.

Practically, registration will be opened for citizens wishing to join government military units, according to available information, provided that enlistment is voluntary and without coercion or force.

Colonel Abdul Basit Al-Bahr, Deputy Head of Moral Guidance for the Taiz Axis Command, told "Asharq" that the call received interaction from various parties, currents, sheikhs, dignitaries, and organizations, alongside young people who expressed their desire to join.

Al-Bahr clarified that the call also includes members of the "General Reserve," who are former military personnel out of service wishing to return.

He noted that implementing the mobilization decision requires "military and field mechanisms, procedures, measures, committees, and prevailing laws" to organize practical steps, pointing out that "field committees will be formed at the level of liberated districts and governorates, along with allocating camps to receive returnees and organize their status."

Amnesty and addressing the status of defectors
The mobilization announcement includes another dimension represented by granting amnesty to anyone who leaves the Houthi group and stops fighting in its ranks or working for it.

Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi said the decision opens the door for safe return for those he described as "misled" back to the side of the republic and constitutional legitimacy, stemming from the state's responsibility to save Yemeni blood, end the war, and prevent acts of revenge and retaliation.

According to Colonel Abdul Basit Al-Bahr, special committees currently being formed will handle Houthi group elements who respond to the call.

Al-Bahr explained to "Asharq" that "they will be accommodated, their status arranged, and their salaries and all entitlements processed."

What are the motives behind the decision?
The general mobilization decision comes amid ongoing military operations on several fronts. Al-Alimi stated that the armed forces carried out 756 targeting operations within 72 hours on the fronts of Kataf, Al-Baq'a, Al-Alb, Al-Jawf, Marib, Al-Bayda, Lahj, and Taiz, resulting, according to him, in neutralizing 2,316 Houthi elements, and destroying vehicles, missile launchers, and weapons depots.

In Taiz, military spokesperson Majid Al-Nuzaili reported that 356 targeting operations were carried out within 24 hours, resulting, according to him, in the fall of 476 group elements between killed and wounded, in addition to the destruction of command centers, weapons depots, and vehicles.

The western Taiz axis witnessed clashes in Rasen and Al-Alqama, coinciding with government airstrikes on positions in Al-Aghabira, Al-Wazi'a, and Al-Rabi'i, on the axis linking western Taiz and Lahj.

The Khabob front, near Bab el-Mandeb, also remained active, as the Giants Brigades announced the targeting of a Houthi ammunition truck. There are no indications yet of significant changes in the map of field control.