62 Years since October 14… A memory inspiring Yemenis in confronting the Houthi coup

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On October 14, 1963, the countdown began for a Yemeni revolution that ended more than 129 years of British occupation.

Southern fighters, led by Rajeh Labouza, launched an uprising from the Radfan mountains against the world’s greatest power at the time. The revolution culminated three years later, on November 30, 1967, with the achievement of independence—a scene echoing itself today.

On the 62nd anniversary of the October 14 Revolution, the South has become an advanced base for liberating the North under Houthi control. The ancestors’ uprising once again illuminates the path of struggle against the new colonizers, represented by Iran’s proxies.

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Spearhead of liberation

Before thousands gathered in the stronghold of the first military victory against the Houthis, Vice President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, delivered strong messages to the militias, renewing his pledge to continue pursuing the full objectives of the October 14 Revolution in the northern part of the country.

He emphasized that “the October 14 Revolution has been and will remain the flame of struggle and a source of inspiration for all the free, as it embodied national consciousness and the commitment to freedom and sovereignty.” He stressed that “the Transitional Council will remain a supporter of the causes of the southern people and an expression of their aspirations for independence, development, and stability.”

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He added that “Al-Dhalea Governorate will remain a symbol of struggle and an icon of southern heroism on whose rock the illusions of invaders were shattered,” referring to the Houthis.

Al-Zubaidi also addressed partners in the battle against the Houthi project, stressing that the South has been and will remain the spearhead in confronting this Iran-backed project, and that the Transitional Council will remain an active partner in counterterrorism efforts and in securing international maritime routes, in coordination with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

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These statements were echoed by Vice President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Abdel Rahman al-Mahrami, commander of the “Giants Brigades,” who declared that the October 14 Revolution represents a significant historical milestone in state-building.

Al-Mahrami added that this revolution “defined noble goals, namely liberation, independence, and the achievement of social justice,” calling for a deep study of that era to understand the reasons for its successes and failures, in order to formulate more enlightened future visions for building a stable and prosperous state.

He further stated: “Our modern history is full of lessons and experiences we need today in our current crisis to overthrow the Houthi coup project, which poses a danger to all.”

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Aden, stronghold of enlightenment

For his part, Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi delivered a televised speech reaffirming the commitment of the Council and the government to the principle of national partnership as a steadfast choice for achieving the Yemeni people’s aspirations, particularly the restoration of state institutions, the end of the Iran-backed Houthi coup, and the establishment of justice and equal citizenship.

On the eve of the 62nd anniversary, he stated that “the great legacy of October will remain a flowing artery in the consciousness of Yemeni generations, embodying the spirit of struggle for freedom and independence, and reaffirming Aden’s role as the state capital, a beacon of enlightenment, and a bastion of resistance to tyranny.”

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He added that “the October 14 Revolution was not merely a passing event in history, but a new birth for our proud people, a cry of dignity against oppression, and an inspiring culmination of sincere struggles against tyranny and colonialism in both the north and the south of the country.”

He underlined the centrality of the southern issue in any comprehensive political solution, highlighting the unique experience of the South after independence in building a modern civil state with an advanced legal and social framework.

It should be recalled that the October 14 Revolution was launched from the Radfan mountains in Lahj Governorate with Egyptian support, and ended British colonial rule in the South, which had lasted for more than a century, culminating in independence on November 30, 1967.

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