Context:

A senior Houthi official has rebuffed US President Trump's claim that the Yemeni group capitulated in the ceasefire agreement, asserting that it was the US that backed down. The agreement, mediated by Oman, stipulates that neither the US nor the Houthis will target each other, though it excludes Israel, which continues to face Houthi attacks. The Houthis, who have been in control of north-western Yemen since 2014, remain committed to supporting Palestinians, despite US military strikes and Israeli retaliatory actions. Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted international shipping, claiming to act in support of Palestinians against Israel and its allies, although these claims are often disputed. Israeli airstrikes on Houthi targets have been a response to missile attacks, with recent strikes causing significant damage to Yemen's infrastructure and civilian casualties.

Dive Deeper:

• A ceasefire agreement between the US and the Houthis was reached, mediated by Oman, to cease targeting each other, following a series of US strikes in response to Houthi attacks on shipping routes. However, the Houthis maintain that the US altered its stance, while their position remains unchanged.

• The ceasefire agreement explicitly excludes Israel, which continues to be subject to Houthi missile and drone attacks, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni targets. These Israeli retaliatory actions have resulted in significant infrastructural damage and civilian casualties.

• The Houthis have been actively targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, purportedly in support of Palestinians in their conflict with Israel. Despite claims that these attacks are aimed only at Israeli and allied ships, the validity of these assertions is often challenged.

• US strikes under Trump's administration intensified in March 2024, targeting Houthi command centers and military infrastructure, resulting in substantial Houthi casualties. Despite these efforts, Houthi authorities report minimal losses among their ranks while claiming civilian casualties.

• The Houthis' control of north-western Yemen since 2014 has been marked by ongoing conflict, following their ousting of the internationally recognized government from Sanaa. Their alliance with Iran and support for Palestinian causes continue to shape their regional engagements.

• Trump's assertion that the Houthis have capitulated is contested by Houthi leaders, who view the US's cessation of bombings as a result of American frustrations, particularly regarding the protection of Israeli interests.

• Israeli airstrikes in response to Houthi missile attacks have targeted critical Yemeni infrastructure, including airports and power stations, resulting in significant damage and loss of life, further escalating regional tensions.