Yemen’s Vice President, Maj. Gen. Aidarus al-Zubaidi, has revealed that the United States overlooked the danger posed by Houthi rebels in the Middle East, despite receiving prior warnings. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, al-Zubaidi stated that he had informed American and British officials about the Iran-backed militant group’s regrouping and rearming efforts during a temporary halt in its ongoing conflict with a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. However, little action was taken in response.
Neglected Warnings
During a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September, Maj. Gen. Aidarus al-Zubaidi shared his concerns with American and British officials. The vice president, representing Yemen’s United Nations-recognized government, expressed the urgent need for international attention to the growing Houthi threat. Regrettably, his warnings fell on deaf ears.
“They didn’t do anything,” al-Zubaidi lamented about the lack of action from the U.S. despite taking notes during their meeting. This negligence has had dire consequences for the entire region.
Maj. Gen. Aidarus al-Zubaidi during an interview in New York in 2023. (Image Source: F5 Magazine)
Ignored Warnings Result in Devastation
Approximately three weeks after al-Zubaidi’s warning, Hamas launched a series of attacks on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and taking hostages. In response to Israel’s military assault on Gaza, the Houthi rebels expressed solidarity with Hamas and began launching missiles at Israel, as well as attacking ships in the Red Sea.
The strategic importance of the Red Sea cannot be understated. Yemen, situated on the eastern side of the Bab al-Mandeb strait, controls access to this vital shipping lane. The attacks by the Houthis have disrupted around $200 billion in international trade, forcing companies to seek alternative, longer routes to avoid the waterway.
Residents inspect the damage following overnight air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition targeting the Houthi-held capital, Sanaa, on Jan. 18, 2022. (Image Source: F5 Magazine)
The Yemen Crisis: A Desperate Situation
Yemen, already the poorest country in the region, has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and forced President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi into exile. The conflict escalated as Saudi Arabia intervened to counter the influence of Iran, resulting in a devastating war that lasted far longer than anticipated.
The United Nations has labeled the Yemen crisis as “the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.” With 80% of Yemen’s population in need of aid, the situation has reached a critical point. The suffering of the Yemeni people cannot be ignored.
Ahmadia Abdo, 10, who suffers from acute malnutrition, at a camp for the internally displaced in Yemen’s Hajjah Governorate in January 2021. (Image Source: F5 Magazine)
The Way Forward
It is clear that a new approach is necessary to address the Houthi threat and bring stability to Yemen. The U.S. government, along with its international partners, must take swift action to prevent further escalation. Reconsidering the designation of the Houthis as a terrorist group may hamper humanitarian efforts and jeopardize the UN-mediated peace process.
The situation in Yemen cannot be dismissed as an inconvenience; the Houthis are a far-reaching and powerful entity controlling areas where two-thirds of the population resides. Concerted efforts are needed to avert further catastrophe.
A Houthi honor guard carries the coffins of fighters killed in the U.S. and U.K. air strikes in Yemen. (Image Source: F5 Magazine)
As we ponder the best course of action, let us remember that the people of Yemen are enduring unimaginable suffering. F5 Magazine remains committed to shedding light on significant global issues like the Yemen crisis. We stand with those affected and hope for a swift resolution to this ongoing catastrophe.