Yemen’s Houthi movement has reportedly demanded $51 billion from Saudi Arabia, alongside formal recognition of its authority over areas under its control, as conditions for ending hostilities and reaching an agreement with the kingdom, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper reported that the Houthis consider the proposed payment compensation for damage caused by Saudi airstrikes during the Yemen war, as well as the prolonged restrictions imposed on the country’s ports and airports.
They are also seeking Riyadh’s formal recognition of their administration as Yemen’s legitimate governing authority.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reluctant to enter into extensive negotiations with the Houthis without first securing stronger military leverage.
However, the kingdom is also concerned about the possibility of deploying additional troops to Yemen.
The demands come amid growing security and economic pressure on Saudi Arabia linked to Houthi attacks, particularly incidents targeting oil vessels in the Red Sea and facilities considered important to the kingdom’s economy.
The conflict in Yemen has drawn in regional powers for years, with Saudi Arabia leading a military coalition that intervened in support of the internationally recognised Yemeni government against the Houthi movement.
Efforts to secure a lasting settlement have faced major obstacles, including disagreements over political authority, security arrangements and compensation for the damage caused by the war.