Spokesman for the Saudi-led Arab coalition Colonel Turki al-Maliki defended on Friday the alliance and Yemeni legitimate forces’ operations in the war-torn country, saying that the safety of the people was their top priority. He said during a press conference in Brussels: “The alliance’s operations in Yemen are aimed at pressuring the Houthi militias to accept the political solution.” The spokesman was in Belgium to hold talks with European officials on Yemen and aid delivery. “The political diplomatic solution is always the best option for the Yemeni people,” he continued. “The coalition is continuing its efforts to restore legitimacy in Yemen and the operations in Hodeidah are ongoing,” Maliki added. “We have many options in Hodeidah, including a lightening military operation,” he stressed. The legitimate forces, backed by the Arab coalition, launched last week operation Golden Victory to liberate Hodeidah and its strategic port from the Iran-aligned Houthi militias. Many options are available for the port, the liberation of which will cut the vital lifeline for the Houthis, he stressed. In addition, its liberation will end the threat against international navigation in the Red Sea, he continued. Furthermore, Maliki accused the Houthis of transforming civilian residences into military fortifications. They have also imposed additional taxes of business owners to fund their war effort. The alliance, on the other hand, has been providing all possible facilitations to deliver medical and food aid to Hodeidah, he stated. Aid is being delivered throughout Yemen without discrimination, he added. The Houthis have, meanwhile, sought to disrupt aid operations. The militias, said Maliki, have arrested several rights groups workers. On political efforts, he noted that any “concession or suggested” proposed by the Houthis should take place through United Nations special envoy Martin Griffiths, who is exerting efforts to resolve the crisis.