Yemen Conflict Escalates as Houthi Rebels Issue Warning to Global Powers
The conflict in Yemen has escalated as Houthi rebels warned countries against joining Saudi Arabia's military operations. In an interview, Mohamed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, stated that Washington had reached out to the rebels after their rapid advance along Yemen's western coast towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Houthis have assured the United States that American vessels in the Red Sea will not be targeted, with the sole exception being Saudi Arabia. Al-Bukhaiti confirmed indirect contacts with US officials through Oman, which has previously mediated between the two sides.
The Houthis' objective is to ensure freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway. They have declared a blockade on Saudi shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea, and have attacked Saudi-linked vessels and oil facilities inside the kingdom.