ADEN(RAHNUMA): The return of Donald Trump to the US presidency was key to curbing the Houthi militia’s threat to regional stability and maritime security, Yemen’s vice president said on Tuesday.
Aidarous Al-Zubaidi compared Trump’s leadership and willingness to employ military strength with the Biden administration, which he said had allowed the Houthis to consolidate power, bolster their military capabilities and extend their reach beyond Yemen.
“Trump knows what he wants. He is a strong decision maker,” Zubaidi said. “We are fans, admirers and supporters of Trump’s policy …. because he has a personality that has enough decision-making power to rule America and the world.”
A coordinated US-led international, regional and local strategy was needed to strike and weaken the Houthis and stop their attacks against commercial Western vessels navigating through the Red Sea, Zubaidi said. The Houthis targeted more than 100 vessels with drones and missile strikes last year.
“We hope that America will be motivated to deter the Houthis because they will continue to threaten maritime navigation. They are the biggest threat,” Zubaidi said. He said he expected talks with the new US administration to begin soon.
Zubaidi heads the Southern Transitional Council, which favors an independent southern Yemen. The group holds three seats on the eight-strong Presidential Leadership Council, the Aden-based coalition government opposed to the Houthis.
