The Arab Coalition in Yemen: Establishing security and supporting comprehensive development
The Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen continues its tireless and sustained efforts, not only militarily, but also through a comprehensive strategy aimed at establishing security and stability and promoting development in the liberated Yemeni governorates. These efforts are part of the Coalition's commitment, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to ending the humanitarian suffering caused by the Houthi coup and to rebuild Yemeni state institutions so they can fulfill their duties to the citizens.
Historical Context and Strategic Shift:
Since the launch of the coalition operations in 2015, the Yemeni crisis has undergone crucial turning points. The strategy shifted from direct military operations under "Operation Decisive Storm" to "Operation Restoring Hope," which focused primarily on political, diplomatic, and developmental aspects. The coalition leadership recognized early on that a military solution alone was insufficient to guarantee Yemen's stability, prompting the launch of parallel initiatives aimed at normalizing conditions in areas liberated from militia control and transforming them into viable and stable models.
of security and counterterrorism
, the Coalition has played a pivotal role in restructuring and training Yemeni security forces, including the Public Security Forces and the Coast Guard, to secure vital cities and ports. The MASAM demining project stands out as a key humanitarian and security pillar. Funded by the Coalition, this project has successfully removed hundreds of thousands of mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by militias, contributing to securing roads and enabling the safe return of displaced persons to their villages and farms. The Coalition has also played a prominent role in supporting efforts to combat terrorist organizations that have attempted to exploit the security vacuum in some southern regions.
Development and Reconstruction: A Lifeline
Alongside Security Efforts, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) is spearheading a broad development initiative encompassing vital sectors such as health, education, energy, transportation, and water. This has manifested in the construction and equipping of schools and hospitals, the rehabilitation of Aden International Airport, and the provision of fuel to power plants to ensure continued service for citizens. Furthermore, the Kingdom and its coalition partners have deposited billions of dollars in financial assets with the Central Bank of Yemen to support the local currency and prevent economic collapse, reflecting a long-term commitment to the Yemeni people.
The strategic and regional importance
of stabilizing the liberated governorates lies not only in its positive impact on Yemen itself, but also in its paramount importance to regional and international security. Securing Yemen's coasts and the Bab al-Mandab Strait is a fundamental pillar for protecting international shipping lanes and the flow of energy to the world. Therefore, the coalition's success in establishing security and driving development in Yemen represents a strong bulwark against foreign interference seeking to destabilize the region, and lays the foundation for a new era of regional partnership and cooperation.
