Saudi Arabia Proposes Ceasefire to Yemen's Houthi Rebels... Houthi Says "Blockade Must Be Lifted First"

"Cease Military Actions Across Yemen" Truce Proposal
Yemeni Government Welcomes, Houthi Rebels Indicate Opposition

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Saudi Arabia has proposed a ceasefire to the Yemeni Houthi rebels, but the Houthis have reportedly rejected the ceasefire proposal in practice, demanding that Saudi Arabia first lift the blockade on airports and ports. With U.S. military support halted and the impact of falling oil prices compounding the situation, Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government, which is on the defensive, support the ceasefire. However, the Houthis, who believe they have the upper hand, are intensifying their offensive, making the success of the ceasefire unlikely.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 22nd (local time), Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan stated at a press conference held that day, "We announce a ceasefire plan to halt all military actions across Yemen to the Yemeni rebel side," adding, "Now, the success of the ceasefire depends on the Houthis, who must choose whether to prioritize their own interests or those of Iran." The ceasefire plan includes easing the blockade by resuming operations at Sana'a Airport, controlled by the Houthis, and allowing the import of food and oil through the port of Hodeidah.

Following the Biden administration's suspension of support for attacks on the Houthis and the concurrent decline in oil prices, Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company Aramco's profits have plummeted by more than 44% compared to the previous year. Saudi Arabia is reportedly feeling a significant burden in continuing the six-year-long war with the Houthis. The Yemeni government, pushed back to the southern Aden region and on the defensive, has also expressed support for the ceasefire.

However, the Houthis, who already control more than 80% of Yemeni territory, oppose the ceasefire. The Houthis emphasized, "There is nothing new in Saudi Arabia's proposal," and stated, "We expected Saudi Arabia to first lift the blockade on ports and airports. Reopening them is a humanitarian right and cannot be used as a means of pressure." This implies a rejection of the ceasefire proposal.

The Yemeni civil war, ongoing for six years since 2015, has been prolonged by the confrontation between the Saudi-led Arab coalition, which has blockaded Yemen's airports and ports, and the Houthis, who have gained control over most of the territory through local battles within Yemen. The Arab coalition's blockade of the port of Hodeidah, through which over 70% of Yemen's essential goods enter, has led millions of Yemenis to suffer shortages of food and medicine, drawing international criticism for inhumane blockade measures.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.