 "In escalating tensions, Yemen’s Houthis threaten Israel and U.S. forces, amid ongoing violence in Gaza and international misinformation.")
The US recently denied claims made by a senior Houthi official that it offered recognition of the Houthi government in Yemen to halt their attacks. This statement followed a significant escalation, where a ballistic missile from the Iran-aligned Houthis reached central Israel for the first time. The group has been targeting Israel and ships they believe are linked to Israeli interests in solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Since November, the Houthis have damaged over 80 vessels and caused casualties, intensifying the war’s regional impact. The US and UK have purportedly communicated with the Houthis, but officials dismissed their claims as misleading propaganda, reaffirming the complexity of the situation in Yemen and beyond.
In a recent development, the US has been accused by a senior Houthi official of offering to recognize the Houthi government in Sanaa, aiming to halt the Yemen-based group’s missile attacks on Israel. These claims were quickly dismissed by a US official as false.
This declaration came shortly after the Houthis launched a ballistic missile that hit central Israel for the first time, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn that the group would face severe consequences. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, mentioned that communications often happen after their operations, involving threats and potential negotiations, but suggested that such talks have failed to yield any real results.
A US State Department official referred to Houthi statements as mere propaganda, asserting that their claims are hardly based on truth. Al-Bukhaiti added that recent communication included threats of US military action against nations supporting Gaza.
The Houthis, in addition to their assaults on Israel, have targeted ships they believe are associated with the country, claiming responsibility for damaging over 80 vessels and even sinking two since November. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, triggered by a surprise Hamas attack on Israel, has escalated violence in the region, leading to significant casualties on both sides.
Yemen remains mired in a civil war since 2014, with the Houthis seizing Sanaa and ousting the recognized government. Earlier this year, the US placed the Houthis back on its terrorist watchlist, reflecting ongoing tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
This situation highlights the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to prevent further escalation and humanitarian crises in both Israel and Yemen.
What did the Houthi official say about the US?
The Houthi official claimed that the US offered to recognize the Sanaa government, which is controlled by the Houthis in Yemen.
Did the US confirm this claim?
No, the US denied the Houthi official’s claims and said they are not true.
Why is the recognition of the Sanaa government important?
Recognition would mean that the US officially accepts the government, which could change political dynamics in Yemen and the region.
What is the current situation in Yemen?
Yemen is facing a brutal civil war that has caused a humanitarian crisis, with many factions including the Houthis fighting for control.
How has the international community responded to the Houthi claims?
The international community is cautious and many countries are trying to mediate peace talks, but reactions vary depending on their interests in the region.
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