Intense fighting continues in Yemen between government and Houthis — Dawn
Intense fighting continues in Yemen between the Saudi Arabia-backed government and the Houthi movement Ansar Allah, which controls the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country’s north. This was stated in an editorial by Dawn.
Mocha and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
According to the publication’s assessment, the Yemeni front had largely remained quiet after the Saudi-Houthi truce took effect in 2022. However, open warfare has been ongoing between the government and Ansar Allah in recent weeks.
Dawn writes that the Houthis have captured the strategically important city of Mocha and key islands off the coast. In the editorial board’s view, this has left the group largely able to determine who can pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis say that the sea passage is open to all vessels except Saudi ones.
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Pakistan’s statement
The publication also links the escalation in Yemen to the war between the United States and Iran. After Houthi strikes on positions in Saudi Arabia, the question arose of the possible involvement of the kingdom’s allies, including Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated its “unwavering support” for Saudi Arabia, while noting that it does not plan to join strikes against the Houthis. The ministry also said it seeks peace and stability in Yemen. Dawn recalls that Pakistan concluded the Mecca Agreement on joint defense with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The Dawn editorial board believes that Pakistan and the countries of the region should seek an immediate ceasefire and negotiations involving the Houthis, Saudi Arabia, and the Yemeni government. According to the publication’s assessment, further escalation could create a risk of a blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and worsen problems for the global economy.
