ALBAWABA - In a surprising move, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have expressed their commitment to peace, extending an olive branch to the United States.
The Houthis, led by their self-proclaimed Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein al-Azzi, conveyed their hope for a shift in the US stance towards both Yemen and Palestine. Despite these overtures, no response has been received from the US at the time of reporting.
Al-Azzi, taking to social media, emphasized the Houthi faction's dedication to peace and their preference for minimizing tensions. Notably, he hinted at the potential for a change in the US position regarding Yemen and Palestine, urging a reconsideration.
While Al-Azzi acknowledged Houthi forces' capability to disrupt maritime traffic along key routes from Yemen to the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and the Mediterranean, he indicated a current intention to postpone such actions. The US has not officially responded to these statements.
Recent developments include Houthi claims of responsibility for targeting a British-owned oil ship in the Gulf of Aden on January 26. Simultaneously, reports indicate that the US and the UK have conducted two air strikes in Hodeidah, a city in western Yemen.
The Houthis had seized commercial ships linked to Israeli companies in Yemen's waters on October 31, 2023, in response to Israeli attacks on Gaza. Subsequent drone and missile attacks on these ships prompted the US to announce multiple interceptions. This led to several shipping companies suspending their voyages in the Red Sea.
Concerns over the security of global maritime trade prompted the US, along with a coalition of nations, to announce the formation of a multinational "Guardian of Welfare Operation" on December 18, 2023, aimed at countering Houthi forces.
