ISTANBUL — Yemen’s Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zouba said Saturday that nearly a decade of negotiations with the Houthi militia had failed to produce a political settlement, vowing to continue military operations until the government’s objectives are achieved and the group is disarmed.Speaking to journalists in Istanbul, Al-Zouba accused the Houthis of exploiting periods of calm to strengthen their military capabilities and repeatedly obstructing efforts to end Yemen’s prolonged conflict.She stressed that the internationally recognized government would not accept negotiations that allow the Houthis to regroup or replenish their weapons.Al-Zouba pointed to peace talks held in 2016, saying the Houthis refused to sign a proposed agreement despite approximately 100 days of negotiations.She also accused the group of undermining subsequent diplomatic initiatives, including Saudi-backed peace efforts launched in 2022.The foreign minister said Operation “Dawn of Yemen” would continue firmly until its objectives were achieved, reaffirming the government’s determination to confront the militia and end its armed control.Her remarks came during her first official visit to Türkiye since assuming office in July.Earlier Saturday, Al-Zouba met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul.ISTANBUL — Yemen’s Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zouba said Saturday that nearly a decade of negotiations with the Houthi militia had failed to produce a political settlement, vowing to continue military operations until the government’s objectives are achieved and the group is disarmed.Speaking to journalists in Istanbul, Al-Zouba accused the Houthis of exploiting periods of calm to strengthen their military capabilities and repeatedly obstructing efforts to end Yemen’s prolonged conflict.She stressed that the internationally recognized government would not accept negotiations that allow the Houthis to regroup or replenish their weapons.Al-Zouba pointed to peace talks held in 2016, saying the Houthis refused to sign a proposed agreement despite approximately 100 days of negotiations.She also accused the group of undermining subsequent diplomatic initiatives, including Saudi-backed peace efforts launched in 2022.The foreign minister said Operation “Dawn of Yemen” would continue firmly until its objectives were achieved, reaffirming the government’s determination to confront the militia and end its armed control.Her remarks came during her first official visit to Türkiye since assuming office in July.Earlier Saturday, Al-Zouba met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul.
Yemen vows to continue military offensive until Houthis are disarmed
