Yemeni Prime Minister Shayea Mohsen al-Zindani said on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, that restoring the state's authority and sovereignty over Yemeni territory is linked to protecting the security of Yemen and the region and securing international navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as Operation Yemen Dawn continued into its second day.
Al-Zindani follows operations and contacts with field commanders
Al-Zindani made the remarks while directly following operational developments and advances reported by military and field commanders on several axes, amid rapidly unfolding developments on the fighting fronts. The prime minister held a series of calls with commanders in the field, stressing that the government was continuously monitoring the course of the battles.
Al-Zindani said the government was placing the state's capabilities at the service of forces working to restore state authority and sovereignty over all Yemeni territory. During his calls, he heard field briefings on the course of operations and developments across the various axes and fronts. The prime minister praised what he described as the steadfastness of the armed forces, military formations and popular resistance, as well as the advances reported by field commanders.
He said the government was following these developments directly and was ready to support them at the security, services and living standards levels. Al-Zindani linked developments inside Yemen to maritime corridor security, saying that restoring state authority «is inseparable from protecting the security of Yemen and the region and securing international navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait».
He added that this would help put an end to risks threatening the maritime corridor and the security of international trade. The prime minister directed that his greetings and appreciation be conveyed to the forces and personnel stationed on the various fronts, praising the support provided by the coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Yemeni government's efforts.
Announcement of Operation Yemen Dawn and its field objectives
He said this support contributed to efforts to restore state authority and strengthen the security of Yemen and the region, reflecting the Kingdom's position alongside the Yemeni people and their internationally recognised leadership. On Monday, 5 October 2026, Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi announced the launch of Operation Yemen Dawn, setting its objectives as restoring state institutions, liberating the capital, Sanaa, and ending the Houthi coup.
The announcement came a day after he directed the armed forces, security forces and military formations to move from the preparedness and planning phase to conducting operations according to the approved plans. On the operation's first day, al-Alimi said he had received briefings from members of the council, military commanders and the commanders of axes and fronts on implementing the assigned plans and missions.
He pointed to advances on the western coast front in Taiz governorate and the recapture of positions in Dhubab and Bab al-Mandab, according to the Yemeni government. Al-Alimi stressed at the time that any field advance must be accompanied by the protection of civilians and public and private property, compliance with the law and military discipline, and the safeguarding of the lives and dignity of detainees and wounded people.
He also stressed that retaliatory acts or individual practices would not be permitted, saying the objective was not limited to retaking territory but also included restoring institutions, services, security and justice there.
Government plans to restore services to recaptured areas
Alongside the military operations, al-Zindani directed ministries, government institutions and bodies, and local authorities to raise their level of preparedness and draw up urgent implementation plans to keep pace with developments on the ground, ensuring the return of civilian, security and service agencies to areas returning to government control.
The prime minister's directives include preparing arrangements for basic services, health, education, electricity, water, roads, communications, relief and social protection, alongside financial and administrative measures to ensure the regular payment of state employees' salaries, address outstanding dues, and implement recovery and reconstruction programmes.
Al-Zindani also asked governors and local authorities to coordinate with the military and security agencies and relevant ministries, and to form teams to address developments in the recaptured areas. According to his directives, the plans focus on protecting civilians and property, preventing chaos or revenge, meeting residents' needs, and creating conditions for displaced people to return and economic activity to resume.
