Saudi-backed Yemen leader calls for general mobilization

Rashad al-Alimi, the head of Yemen's internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council, called for a general and national mobilization on Friday, urging citizens to rally around the armed forces against the Houthi movement.

Al-Alimi announced a future general amnesty and safe return for any Houthi fighters or affiliates who choose to leave the group's ranks starting September 26. The mobilization call follows a major escalation where the Houthis seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and ramped up drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.