The Houthis appear to be using the announcement of a maritime embargo targeting Saudi Arabia to “redraw the rules” while regional powers are under pressure, an analyst says.
Zeidon Alkinani, founding director of the Arab Perspectives Institute, told Al Jazeera there is “very clear” messaging in the announcement.
There was “no mention of Iran” suggesting the Houthis are acting to exploit what they see as a window of opportunity while both Saudi Arabia and the United States are pre-occupied with Iran. “They’re taking it as an opportunity to redraw the rules imposed on them before,” he said.
Negotiations with the Houthis could be “easier” than talks involving either the US or Iran, which remain in direct confrontation. “From a Houthi perspective they are controlling Yemen, which is in the GCC orbit,” he said.
Alkinani said direct negotiations with the Houthis would now make sense.
This is a significant military move undertaken by the Ansar Allah Houthi movement that highlights the gravity of the situation.
The Houthis have been very clear for the past three weeks, saying that if the blockade on Sanaa International Airport continues, it will be met with increased military activity directed against the Saudi government.
Last week the airport was attacked, and the internationally recognised government claimed responsibility for the strike, which prevented an Iranian flight from landing at Sanaa’s airport. It was diverted to another airport under the control of the Sanaa government.
Ansar Allah Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of being behind the attack on the Sanaa airport.
The bigger issue is they also believe that Saudi Arabia and its coalition allies have been engaged in a coordinated effort to impose a siege on Yemen through the air and sea. According to the latest military statement, a blockade will be responded to with a blockade.
Credit: aljazeera.com
