Yemen's Houthis warn of escalation, say ready for wider conflict

Yemen's Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) has declared its readiness for a major escalation in its conflict with the Saudi-led coalition, saying the regional balance of power has shifted in favour of what it called the "resistance forces."

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of Ansar Allah's Supreme Political Council, said the years-long conflict had strengthened and modernised the movement's military capabilities across all operational levels, Iranian media reports. 

He argued that the Houthis' opponents "have no future other than decisive defeat" and warned that, if the conflict escalates further, they would be "taught an important lesson."

Separately, Ansar Allah Political Bureau spokesperson Zayfullah al-Shami said the group's forces are prepared for any scenario as they seek to break what they describe as the economic and military blockade imposed on Yemen.

By Sabina Mammadli