Yemen: Before the September 21 Revolution, Yemen went through a difficult and complicated period, marked by a complex political landscape, various competing factions, and the ambitions of ten foreign countries vying for control over Greater Yemen. 

For the free people of Yemen, there was no option but to move forward, as dangers surrounded the country from all sides. Foreign embassies and agents of occupation, from Washington to London and Paris, as well as Arab regimes like Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, were present. The elements of sabotage, including groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, were also mobilized.

There were plans in place that would have turned Yemen, already weakened by extensive corruption, into a subjugated, divided, and humiliated nation. The country’s oil and gas resources in the eastern regions were considered a red line, with no connection to Yemen or even its ruling powers at the time.

Meanwhile, security chaos prevailed, blending terrorism from Al-Qaeda, as seen in events like the Al-Oradi Hospital attack and the Al-Sabeen Square bombing, with internal conflicts used by the enemy to create an environment of destruction. This would pave the way for Western and American intervention, framed as humanitarian rescue efforts, with the real goal of dividing up a vulnerable Yemen.

Numerous events led up to the September 21 Revolution, which was born from the suffering of the people and the catastrophic reality Yemen faced. This pure, popular revolution acted as a rescue barrier for Yemen and its people from the chaos and division planned by America under its broader Middle East division scheme. The revolution took control of a country that was on the verge of collapse, steering it back from the brink of long-term instability.

Speaking on the tenth anniversary of the September 21 Revolution, Dr. Ahmed Hajar, Deputy Minister of Finance and financial expert, stated: "One of the most important achievements of the revolution is its role in stopping the rampant corruption that had taken hold of all state institutions at every level. 

It also dismantled the system of servitude and mercenaries that had infiltrated every aspect of the country, causing the failure of all efforts to build a state of law and order, and preventing even the most basic levels of real development. Instead, Yemen became mired in chaos, insecurity, and the looting and smuggling of wealth abroad, making it one of the most corrupt, poor, and poorly governed countries in the world before the revolution. Yemen was seen as a backyard for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in line with the goals of global Zionism."

He continued: "The countries of aggression, following American directives, employed every economic warfare tactic, including those forbidden by religious laws, international norms, and conventions, with the aim of subjugating Yemen's political leadership and its people to their terms. This included controlling Yemen’s natural resources like oil and gas, preventing their export, confiscating revenues, restricting imports to ports controlled by the coalition forces, and monopolizing tax and customs revenues.

They even relocated the Central Bank’s functions from Sana’a to Aden and printed large amounts of currency. However, by the grace of God, the resilience of the Yemeni people, the sacrifices of the fighters on the battlefield, and the wisdom and patience of the revolutionary and political leadership thwarted the plans of the aggressors. Instead, Yemen began to pursue genuine development under wise leadership."

Dr. Hajar emphasized that, politically, "Yemen has managed to break free from American hegemony and Saudi control, establishing itself as a key player in regional and international arenas. Yemen’s stance on the Palestinian cause and its opposition to the Zionist aggression on Gaza is a clear indicator of its independence, freedom, and sovereignty. 

Yemen has now become a prominent force in resisting imperialism and defending the rights of oppressed nations." He stressed the need to accelerate institutional development to ensure political stability, economic growth, justice, security, and sustainable development.

In the field of military manufacturing, Yemen has made remarkable progress that has exceeded expectations both locally and internationally. The production of weapons and ammunition, as well as the reconditioning of warplanes and the development of drone technology and various missile systems, has transformed Yemen’s military capabilities from merely a deterrent to an actual threat to imperialist powers, particularly the Zionist entity.

In the agricultural sector, significant strides have been made, including the large-scale cultivation of wheat in the Al-Jawf Governorate, defying agreements that previously prohibited Yemen from growing it. Additionally, efforts have been made to expand the cultivation of other crops such as garlic and various fruits, reducing imports and promoting local agriculture.

In terms of security, Yemen’s regions that are not occupied by the Saudi-UAE aggression are experiencing a level of safety never seen before, and they are among the safest in the region. This is thanks to the dedication and vigilance of Yemen’s security forces, who have successfully dismantled numerous espionage and sabotage networks, dealing a severe blow to the enemies’ plans for chaos and disorder. This has exposed the false promises of freedom, development, and good governance that imperial powers claim to promote."

Reflections on the Revolution:

Governor of Aden, Tareq Salam, remarked on the tenth anniversary of the September 21 Revolution, saying: "The revolution remains a national, religious, and moral triumph for every free and honorable Yemeni. It arose from the awareness of the people and the urgent necessity to prevent the country from falling into the hands of traitorous regimes that allowed the enemy to violate Yemeni land, loot its wealth, and desecrate its sovereignty."

He added: "Despite the oppressive aggression and unjust siege, the revolution has achieved great successes in various fields. Thanks to the leadership of Sayyed Abdulmalik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, our country is now moving toward a bright future, meeting the aspirations of the Yemeni people for freedom, dignity, and independence from foreign interference. 

The revolution’s most significant achievement is the restoration of Yemen’s sovereignty and independence, along with the establishment of a robust military industry and a powerful Yemeni presence in both regional and international waters."

Governor Salam also highlighted the economic improvements achieved under the revolution, including support for the poor, small projects, and the revitalization of agriculture, industry, and essential services for citizens.

Ten Years of Resilience and Growth:

Dr. Khaled Al-Sabii, a member of the Shura Council, labeled the September 21 Revolution as the "Revolution of Resistance, Resilience, and Construction," pointing to the progress made over the past decade. He emphasized the consolidation of national identity and the right of the Yemeni people to determine their own destiny, while also underscoring the responsibility to build a strong and independent Yemen based on justice and equality.

Al-Sabii noted that the revolution corrected the course of previous uprisings, which had initially held great promise but were later co-opted by external forces. He recalled the bleak days under the previous regime, where no one could leave the country or be appointed to a government position without approval from regional powers.

Reflecting on Yemen’s resilience in the face of aggression, Al-Sabii said that for ten years, the revolution has faced brutal assaults motivated by regional and international conspiracies, aimed at seizing Yemen’s natural resources and leveraging its strategic geographic position.

Despite these challenges, Yemen has transformed from a targeted nation into a resilient and self-reliant one, producing its own military equipment, from bullets to missiles. Al-Sabii outlined the achievements of the revolution, including:

In conclusion, Dr. Al-Sabii praised the revolution’s achievements, calling it a symbol of Yemen’s fight for independence, resilience, and progress.