International Crises: Washington and its allies now see the Houthis as “more than just a Yemeni problem”

The International Crisis Group said that the United States and its allies now see the Houthis as more than just a Yemeni problem, but as a problem for which there are few options to solve. US sanctions, along with US and British airstrikes, have failed to curb Houthi missile launches.

The Houthi campaign has greatly weakened the prospects for peace in Yemen, she said in an analysis, putting on hold the planned announcement of a political understanding with the Saudi-led coalition.

The analysis noted that the United States and Saudi Arabia feared that any agreement reached while maritime traffic was under fire would be ineffective: it would be impossible to establish a formal ceasefire between the combatants in Yemen as long as the campaign continued.

The two countries also feared that the Houthis would use the money they received in the deal (under which Saudi Arabia pays the salaries of public sector employees in Houthi-run areas) to build more and better projectiles.

The Houthis believe they are in a stronger position than the Saudis, the analysis said. The head of the group’s Supreme Political Council has criticized Riyadh for delaying the deal and demanded additional war reparations and reconstruction money as part of any new talks.

The Houthis also feel emboldened in the face of their Yemeni opponents, as their successes at sea have boosted recruitment and allowed them to deploy more fighters on different fronts, strengthening their readiness to resume hostilities, according to International Crisis.

Finally, if the Iran-Israel conflict escalates, the Houthis are likely to carry out more attacks, including in coordination with other “axis” groups, such as Iraqi militias. They may also adopt new tactics, including cutting undersea internet cables in the Red Sea.