Media: Houthi rebels open door to peace talks with US on one condition

Houthi rebels from the Yemeni movement "Ansar Allah" have indicated their readiness to begin peace negotiations with the US administration, provided Washington expresses a genuine willingness to engage in such talks.

One of the group's leaders condemned what they termed as "American aggression" labeling it an unjustified attack and violation of Yemen's sovereignty, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The leader further emphasised that the Houthis have always supported dialogue and remain open to discussions. “Channels for negotiations can be opened,” the representative stated. “We are ready for peace if a serious attempt is made to resolve the ongoing conflict."

Earlier, the US launched a "decisive and powerful" wave of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, President Donald Trump announced, justifying the action as a response to attacks by the militant group on vessels in the Red Sea—one of the world’s most vital routes for oil and fuel transportation.

“Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen. They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones,” Trump wrote in Truth Social. 

“Joe Biden’s response was pathetically weak, so the unrestrained Houthis just kept going. It has been over a year since a U.S. flagged commercial ship safely sailed through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden. The last American Warship to go through the Red Sea, four months ago, was attacked by the Houthis over a dozen times. Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at U.S. aircraft, and targeted our Troops and Allies. These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,” he noted.

“The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective. The Houthis have choked off shipping in one of the most important Waterways of the World, grinding vast swaths of Global Commerce to a halt, and attacking the core principle of Freedom of Navigation upon which International Trade and Commerce depends,” Trump stressed. 

“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom. No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World,” he added.  

In their own statement, the Houthis accused the US and the UK of "malicious" aggression against the people of Sana’a. However, it is known that the UK was not involved in the March 15 strikes on Yemen. The Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health reported that at least 19 people were killed, with 11 others wounded as a result of the airstrikes.

By Naila Huseynova