Saudi Arabia Rejects $51 Billion Houthi Demand Report as Fabrication
Saudi Arabia has strongly rejected a report claiming that Yemen’s Houthi rebels demanded $51 billion from the kingdom in exchange for agreeing to end hostilities. A senior Saudi official described the allegations as fabricated and denied that the militia had made such demands during discussions about a possible peace agreement.
Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy, Ambassador Rayed Krimly, dismissed the claims published by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). In a statement shared on X, he described the reported financial demand as a fabrication by the journalists or their alleged sources.
Saudi Official Accuses Houthis of Destabilising Yemen
Krimly accused the Houthi movement of undermining Yemen’s internationally recognised government, contributing to famine and dragging the country into conflicts that do not benefit its people.
He also criticised the group for targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea, attacking civilian and economic infrastructure, and rejecting peace initiatives. The Saudi official stressed that Yemen has a recognised government and rejected any suggestion that the Houthis should receive official legitimacy as the country’s rulers.
WSJ Report Details Alleged $51 Billion Demand
According to the WSJ report, Saudi Arabia had approached the Houthis to explore a negotiated end to hostilities. The discussions reportedly followed attacks on Saudi oil tankers and the group’s seizure of territory near the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
People familiar with the discussions reportedly told the newspaper that the Houthis sought $51 billion to compensate for years of Saudi airstrikes and a prolonged blockade. The group also allegedly wanted Saudi Arabia to recognise its authority over Yemen.
However, Riyadh has publicly rejected the reported financial demand.
Renewed Tensions Complicate Yemen Peace Efforts
The dispute comes amid escalating tensions connected to the wider Middle East conflict. According to the report, renewed fighting followed regional developments involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The collapse of the 2022 truce has further complicated efforts to restore stability in Yemen. The Houthis have reportedly resumed attacks on Saudi-linked maritime targets and Saudi territory.
With tensions continuing, prospects for a negotiated settlement remain uncertain as regional security concerns and disagreements over Yemen’s political future persist.
