Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, vice-president of the UN-backed Yemeni government, urges Western nations to target the Houthi leadership amid Iran’s weakened status. He proposes a coordinated military approach combining ground forces and airstrikes, encourages designating Houthis as terrorists, and criticizes past U.S. attacks as ineffective. Zoubaidi’s remarks indicate a potential shift toward military engagement against the Houthis, reflecting the diminishing viability of diplomatic solutions.
Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, vice-president of the UN-backed Yemeni government, has urged Western nations to take decisive action against Iran-backed Houthi leadership in Yemen during Iran’s current period of weakness. He emphasized that recent losses for Iran in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza have left it vulnerable, presenting an opportune moment to counter the Houthis and reclaim territory. Zoubaidi proposed that ground forces in Yemen coordinate with Western airstrikes to implement a multifaceted military strategy against the Houthis.
Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, he called on the new U.S. administration to designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, commending former President Trump for demonstrating “decisive leadership.” His comments indicate the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council sees Iran’s decline as an opportunity for a collaborative military offensive against the Houthis, potentially employing ground forces as well.
Zoubaidi predicted that, despite Iran’s weakened position, it would likely intensify its support for the Houthis as they remain a critical element of Iran’s proxy strategy in the region. He stressed the necessity for intensified efforts to confront the Houthis as this moment could allow for significant gains against them. In contrast, Iran asserts that the Houthis function as an independent political entity.
Additionally, the Aden government expressed its readiness to provide intelligence to those executing attacks against Houthi positions, indicating potential cooperation with various parties, including Israel. Zoubaidi criticized previous U.S. and U.K. airstrikes as ineffective, arguing they failed to target key Houthi leadership and facilities. The absence of a comprehensive military approach hindered these operations from achieving their objectives.
While U.S. military actions aimed to deter Houthi assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Houthis claimed such actions were demonstrations of solidarity with Palestinians. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi recently announced that during the ceasefire, forces would target Israeli-linked vessels but refrain from harming British or American ships. The Houthis are currently engaged in talks to release the crew held hostage since November 2023.
Zoubaidi also noted the distinct social support structure for the Houthis, differentiating them from groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, thus suggesting that merely targeting leadership would not suffice. He expressed dissatisfaction with the Biden administration, specifically regarding the decision to reclassify the Houthis, which he believed allowed them to operate more freely. The remarks from Zoubaidi reflect a diminishing faith in the ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace in Yemen.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen involves multiple factions, with the Houthis forming a significant force backed by Iran. The Yemeni government, supported internationally, is striving to counter Houthi influence and regain control of the territory. The geopolitical dynamics in the region are affected by Iran’s performance in other conflicts, creating opportunities for the Yemeni government and its allies to potentially launch an offensive against the Houthis. The Biden administration’s policy changes have stirred concerns among Yemeni officials about the effectiveness of countering Houthi actions.
In summary, Aidarus al-Zoubaidi’s comments underscore a strategic call for the West to capitalize on Iran’s vulnerabilities to counter the Houthi movement in Yemen. He advocates for a comprehensive military strategy that combines ground operations with air support to effectively target Houthi leadership. However, the effectiveness of potential military actions remains contingent on broader geopolitical support and coordination among international allies, especially amid shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
