In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement overnight (Tuesday to Wednesday) to halt American airstrikes on the Houthis in Yemen, the strategic implications are coming into focus—and in southern Yemen, the moment is seen as decisive.
Moammar al-Eryani, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism in Yemen’s legitimate government, declared this morning that the Houthis “have surrendered and been defeated,” describing the situation as “an opportunity that must not be missed to return the initiative to Yemen’s national hands.”
“Put an end to the Houthis’ arrogance”
According to al-Eryani, swift action is now needed to “put an end to the Houthis’ arrogance,” unify Yemen’s political ranks, and roll back Iran’s influence in the region.
He described the military pressure on the Houthis as particularly effective: “Their communications network was paralyzed, missile and drone depots were destroyed, and field commanders were isolated. Houthi deterrence has collapsed.”
Trump: Houthis “pledged not to harm ships in the Red Sea”
As reported, Trump announced last night that the United States would halt its airstrikes against the Houthis, stating that they had pledged not to attack vessels in the Red Sea. The foreign minister of Oman also confirmed that diplomatic understandings had been reached between the sides.
However, senior Houthi officials denied the existence of a comprehensive ceasefire. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a prominent spokesperson for the group, said: “We will not commit to halting military operations against the American navy or deep inside the Zionist entity—as long as the siege on Gaza remains in place.”
