News - Yemen: Military expert and analyst Brigadier General Abed Al-Thawr stated that Yemen’s intensified operations deep within Israeli territory are a strong incentive to further escalate actions against the Israeli enemy.

In an exclusive statement to Almasirah, Brig. Gen. Al-Thawr emphasized the significance of the Yemeni Armed Forces’ recent military operation targeting a critical site in Ashdod. 

He noted that the timing of the operation, amid significant regional developments, sends a clear message: the Yemeni military is active, prepared, and committed to continuing its efforts to deter Israel. He affirmed that developments in Syria would not weaken Yemen’s resolve or its stance.

Al-Thawr highlighted that Yemeni military operations against Israel and its ships will increase, warning that any entity supporting Israel at sea would also be targeted. 

He cited recent strikes against American and British vessels as evidence of this strategy. Looking ahead, he predicted more challenging and complex scenarios, especially following the reported ousting of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

He urged those collaborating with the aggression against Yemen to understand that the Yemeni Armed Forces are fully prepared to address any emergency. "Yemen is ready to confront all conspiracies threatening its sovereignty, security, and stability. Surprises await those who attempt to violate our sovereignty," he declared.

Al-Thawr described the recent operation as surprising, particularly due to its collaboration with Iraqi resistance forces. This coordination, he said, underscores the strength and influence of the resistance axis as a unified front.

He elaborated: "Together with our Iraqi resistance allies, we are capable of escalating operations further. We can carry out joint actions that will compel the Zionist enemy to reconsider all its measures, whether in Lebanon, Gaza, or Syria. The enemy will realize it made a grave mistake by escalating its attacks on our people in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria."

Regarding reports of U.S. forces stationed in Saudi Arabia, Brig. Gen. Al-Thawr remarked that their presence poses no threat to Yemen but represents a significant risk to Saudi Arabia. He warned Riyadh that the Yemeni leadership has accounted for all scenarios, including those involving U.S. forces in southern Saudi Arabia.

"Over the past nine years, we’ve learned important lessons. While Saudi Arabia may find it easy to host U.S. forces on its soil, it will struggle to extricate them from Yemen's trap if they commit any folly against us," he stated.

Al-Thawr warned of severe repercussions for any military actions targeting Yemen, promising retaliatory operations that would inflict unrelenting consequences. He also highlighted the decline in U.S. naval capabilities, citing the reduced combat effectiveness of fleets such as the USS Abraham Lincoln since the start of the “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation.

He concluded by cautioning the U.S. against provoking Yemen, referencing past attacks on American aircraft carriers, ships, and warships in the Red Sea. "America has yet to achieve any significant military success against Yemen or our forces," he added.

Since the onset of the Israeli regime’s war on Gaza on October 7, 2023—after Palestinian resistance movements launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm—Yemen has declared unwavering support for Palestine’s struggle against occupation. The Yemeni Armed Forces have launched regular strikes against Israel as part of a phased escalation campaign.

This campaign has included a strict maritime blockade of Israeli shipping, effectively preventing vessels from reaching Israeli ports. In the initial phase, Yemeni forces targeted the port of Umm al-Rashrash in southern occupied Palestine. This escalation marks the culmination of a year-long series of actions across five phases.

Yemeni military advancements have now enabled strikes deep within Israel, reaching Jaffa (referred to by Israel as Tel Aviv) and other key locations. These attacks have utilized hypersonic missiles and advanced drones with significant destructive capabilities, targeting ports and critical military infrastructure throughout occupied Palestine.