Houthi Reflects on One Year of US-UK Airstrikes and Soleimani’s Anniversary
Yemen endures over 931 airstrikes and naval attacks, leaving 106 dead and 314 injured.
Analysis of Abdul Malik Al-Houthi's 65th Weekly Speech and First Address of 2025 (Delivered on December 2, 2024)
Yemen is now in “open war” with Israel, Houthi said.
Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, leader of Ansar Allah (the Houthis) in Yemen, delivered his 65th weekly address since 07 October 2023. This speech arrived amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing conflict. Al-Houthi opened by noting two major milestones: first, that this week marks a full year since the start of US-UK-led airstrikes and maritime operations against Yemen, and second, the anniversary of the assassination of Iran’s Qassem Soleimani and Iraq’s Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis.
He began his remarks by underscoring the extensive rallies around the world—listed country by country—in solidarity with the people of Gaza, while also providing a readout of recent Hamas operations. Al-Houthi then moved on to criticize the new Syrian transitional government, reiterating his opposition to it, and faulted Muslim and Arab regimes for their “weak response” to what he described as ongoing Israeli crimes.
Marking One Year of US-UK Airstrikes and Maritime Operations
“At the beginning of the month of Rajab, a full year has passed since the American-British aggression against our country began. The total number of aerial and naval bombardments on our country has reached 931 airstrikes and naval attacks, resulting in 106 martyrs and 314 injured individuals.”
Al-Houthi used these figures to illustrate what he views as a sustained military campaign of aggression by the United States and the United Kingdom. According to him, these operations constitute a significant escalation and continue to contribute to civilian casualties and infrastructural damage across Yemen.
Remembering Soleimani and Al-Muhandis
Al-Houthi then reflected on the anniversary of the assassinations of Major General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, emphasizing:
“The anniversary of the martyrdom of Haj Qassem Soleimani and Haj Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis—may Allah have mercy on them both—is a moment to remember their significant roles. Haj Qassem Soleimani played an exceptional role in supporting the Palestinian people and aiding the resistance fighters in Palestine.”
He highlighted Iran’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause and, in particular, Soleimani’s instrumental efforts in coordinating with resistance movements in Gaza and Palestine. He praised Iran’s ongoing engagement, calling it an “Islamic, humanitarian, and moral responsibility” shared by all Muslims.
Criticism of Regional Actors
Echoing previous speeches, Al-Houthi criticized those he views as complicit or indifferent in the region:
“Some individuals or entities who show interest in this cause face blame and are held accountable... Meanwhile, others exhibit negligence, complacency, or even collusion with the enemies, adopting their logic and positions, and yet present themselves as representatives of Islamic and Arab stances. This is deeply regrettable.”
He singled out certain governments, accusing them of hypocrisy for professing support for Palestine while aligning with the Israeli or American perspective behind closed doors. He also attacked the new Syrian transitional government, dismissing it as a front for foreign interests.
Accusations Against the United States and Israel
In line with his broader narrative, Al-Houthi continued to position Yemen as directly opposed to both American and Israeli influence:
“Haj Qassem Soleimani—may Allah’s mercy envelop him—had a significant role until his martyrdom. This is why he was targeted by the Americans, as they perceived him as an obstacle to the success of many of their conspiracies... For this reason, the martyrdom of Haj Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis is remembered for their distinguished and tremendous roles.”
He argued that these assassinations were part of a larger American-Israeli scheme to eliminate key figures who support resistance movements in the region. Al-Houthi claimed that this agenda extends to Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen itself.
Alleged Israeli Aggression on Yemeni Soil
Al-Houthi then turned his focus to what he called “Israeli aggression” in Yemen:
“Regarding the Israeli aggression on our country on the afternoon of last Thursday: 22 airstrikes were carried out by the Israeli enemy... This Israeli aggression resulted in the martyrdom of seven individuals and injuries to 37 others.”
He insisted that Yemen is now in “open war” with Israel, referencing reported Yemeni retaliatory measures. Citing comments from Israeli media and officials, Al-Houthi claimed they acknowledge Yemeni capabilities as “extremely complex” and unlike any enemy they have faced before.
Military Operations: Missiles, Drones, and Maritime Strikes
In detailing Ansar Allah’s (Houthi) operations, Al-Houthi referred to a phase he called the “Promised Victory and Sacred Jihad,” describing multiple missile and drone attacks:
Missile Strikes:
“Yemen launched multiple strikes using ‘Palestine-2’ hypersonic missiles and the ‘Zulfiqar’ ballistic missile, targeting occupied Jaffa, Ben Gurion Airport, Nevatim Airbase in the Negev Desert, a power station south of occupied Jerusalem, and other locations.”
Drone Operations:
Significant drone operations were carried out, although exact details were not provided in the speech excerpt.Maritime Operation:
Al-Houthi mentioned the targeting of a container ship in the eastern Arabian Sea, claiming it had violated a blockade on what he calls the “Israeli enemy.”Major Attack on the USS Truman:
“For the second time, the U.S. aircraft carrier Truman was targeted with 11 cruise missiles and a drone... forcing the carrier and its accompanying vessels to retreat to the far northern Red Sea.”
He enumerated 22 ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile launches over the week, alongside further drone activity. The air defense unit of Ansar Allah reportedly brought down American MQ-9 drones in Al-Bayda and Marib provinces, pushing the total to 14 such drones since November 2023.
Solidarity with Gaza
Al-Houthi repeatedly framed these military operations as acts of solidarity with the Palestinian people:
“The operations executed by Yemen... represent a strong demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people and their valiant resistance fighters in Gaza. At a time when the Israeli enemy sought to isolate the Palestinian people and Gaza, it was met with intensified support operations from Yemen.”
Citing the emotional impact of witnessing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he portrayed Yemen’s stance as unwavering:
“Many Yemenis are brought to tears... This deep sorrow translates into a strong sense of responsibility to take serious and sincere practical actions in support of the Palestinian people.”
Balancing American Threats and Religious Conviction
Al-Houthi also recounted alleged American warnings against intervening in the Israel-Gaza conflict:
“We initially... received threats and warnings from the Americans. They sent similar messages to other countries in the region... However, we made a comparison: between the American threats and warnings, and the warnings found in the Qur’an from Allah, the Most Glorified, the Most High.”
He stated that the pressure from the US-UK coalition pushed them to advance their drone and missile capabilities significantly, resulting in the development of hypersonic missiles capable of reaching central Israel. Al-Houthi underscored the religious obligation he perceives in aiding Palestinians, framing the conflict as:
“A stage in which jihad in the path of Allah, against an enemy like the Israeli enemy, is among the most significant historical stages of jihad in the path of Allah.”
In his 65th weekly speech, Al-Houthi painted a picture of Yemen entrenched in a multifaceted battle—one pitting it against the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel. He marked the first anniversary of what he calls an ongoing American-British campaign of airstrikes and naval aggression, presented a detailed account of Houthi missile and drone attacks, and invoked religious obligation to justify continued actions in support of the Palestinian cause.
He also used the speech to memorialize Soleimani and Al-Muhandis, positioning their assassinations as emblematic of broader Western and Israeli efforts to quell resistance movements across the region. Throughout his remarks, Al-Houthi underlined themes of endurance, faith, and steadfastness, criticizing regional governments he perceives as either complicit or apathetic to what he views as Israel’s crimes against Palestinians and an imperialist campaign by external powers in Yemen.