US must support Yemeni government and regional allies to counter Houthis, experts say

US experts have urged the American government to provide support to Yemen's internationally recognized government and to bolster regional allies in order to counter the Houthi threat in the Red Sea. Over the years, successive administrations have struggled to halt attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and curb the Houthi influence, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands, displacement of over four million people, and a severe hunger crisis.

The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has also forged ties with Middle Eastern terrorist organizations. Experts argue that empowering Yemen to regain territory from the Houthis is the most sustainable way to reduce the threat, emphasizing that this does not require US military presence but rather US leadership and coordination with allies to offer political, military, and economic support.

A truce signed in 2022 has largely held, but the Houthis continue to launch attacks on international shipping near Yemen's coastlines and have ties with various terrorist groups. The experts believe that the US should work with partners to develop a credible strategy to resolve the conflict and bolster the Yemeni government. The US has been involved primarily through military means, with strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen since the beginning of President Donald Trump's term.

However, these efforts have not proven effective in the long run, as the Houthis have managed to regroup and continue their attacks. The experts suggest that the US should also consider strengthening the Yemeni government through arms, training, and intelligence sharing, as well as applying pressure on countries like Russia and China, who supply the Houthis with weapons.

Additionally, the US could benefit from a stronger diplomatic presence in the Gulf region, as the current lack of a special envoy to Yemen and the absence of ambassadors to key allies such as Saudi Arabia has hampered efforts to counter the Houthi threat.