Yemen's Houthi Rebels Pose Regional Threat Due to Asymmetrical Advantage
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
An expert on Yemen, Inbal Nissim Lubaton, stated that Houthi rebels continue to pose a regional threat due to an "asymmetry" in their capabilities, including ballistic missiles and state-like operations. Despite recent territorial gains by Saudi-backed government forces, the Houthis control significant areas, concerning Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel. Lubaton warned that targeting Yemeni ports, crucial for the population, could trigger a major humanitarian crisis.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yemen's Houthi rebels are an ongoing regional threat due to their asymmetrical advantage, according to expert Inbal Nissim Lubaton.
- The Houthis possess ballistic missiles and operate with state-like capabilities, despite Yemen's poor economy.
- Recent fighting has seen government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, regain control of areas previously held by the Houthis.
- The Houthi control over significant territory impacts over half of Yemen's population, concerning regional powers.
- Targeting Yemeni ports risks causing a severe humanitarian crisis for the civilian population.
- The situation is linked to a renewed civil war in Yemen and the collapse of a recent ceasefire.
Following a Houthi missile strike on a terminal in the Saudi capital, an expert on Yemen, Inbal Nissim Lubaton, explained the ongoing regional threat posed by the rebels and the limitations faced by nations attempting to counter them. Lubaton stated that the conflict's outcome depends on who is asked, noting that while Houthis recently controlled key areas like Mocha port and Perim Island, government forces supported by Saudi Arabia have regained control.
She described the situation as part of a renewed civil war in Yemen and a breakdown of a recent ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudis. Lubaton highlighted an "asymmetry" that benefits the Houthis, who possess ballistic missiles and operate like a state, albeit with the economic capacity of a poor country. This allows them to control significant territory, impacting over half of Yemen's population and causing concern for Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel.
Lubaton further cautioned that targeting Yemeni ports, which are vital for the majority of the population, risks causing a severe humanitarian crisis. She indicated that striking these ports beyond a certain limit, which allows for normal life within the civil war context, would lead to a major humanitarian disaster for the Yemeni people.
