Death of Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi: Saudi condolences confirm the depth of relations
His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, conveyed the condolences of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the family and relatives of the late former Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, may God have mercy on him. This official expression of condolences reflects the great respect and esteem that the late president enjoyed with the wise leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Historical context and critical phase
President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi assumed power in Yemen in 2012, following the Yemeni youth revolution and in accordance with the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative, which aimed to achieve a peaceful transfer of power. Hadi led the country through a highly complex transitional period, during which Yemen faced serious security, political, and economic challenges, most notably the rapid expansion of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia, which culminated in a coup against the constitutional government and the takeover of the capital, Sana'a, in September 2014.
Operation Decisive Storm: A response to the call of legitimacy
Hadi's presidency was marked by strong historical and fraternal ties with the Kingdom's leadership, most clearly demonstrated in March 2015 when the Kingdom responded to his official request for military intervention to protect Yemen and its people. Based on this request, the Kingdom led a military coalition to launch "Operation Decisive Storm," which aimed to restore constitutional legitimacy and counter the threats posed by Houthi expansion to Yemen's security and stability, as well as to the security of the region and international waterways.
Regional importance and influence
The participation of a high-level Saudi delegation in offering condolences, including His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, Advisor to His Highness the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs; and His Excellency Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Yemen, is not merely a diplomatic gesture, but rather a reaffirmation of the depth of strategic ties. It also reflects the Kingdom's appreciation for the positions taken by the late President, which prioritized the interests and security of Yemen, and his commitment to its stability, development, and prosperity. This step underscores the Kingdom's continued support for the current Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and all efforts aimed at achieving peace and ending the humanitarian crisis, thus ensuring a secure and stable future for Yemen.
