Saudi Arabia has rejected a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report claiming that Yemen’s Houthi movement demanded $51 billion and official recognition as the country’s ruling authority in exchange for ending hostilities with the kingdom.
Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Ambassador Rayed Krimly dismissed the allegations in a statement posted on social media on Thursday, describing them as fabricated claims by the newspaper’s writers or their alleged sources.
Krimly accused the Houthis of rebelling against Yemen’s internationally recognised government and contributing to the suffering of the Yemeni population. He also alleged that the group had attacked commercial vessels in the Red Sea, targeted civilian and economic infrastructure, and rejected peace initiatives.
The Saudi official emphasised that Yemen already has an internationally recognised government, rejecting any suggestion that the Houthis should receive official recognition as the country’s rulers.
The WSJ report, citing individuals familiar with the discussions, claimed that Saudi Arabia had approached the Houthis to explore possible terms for ending the renewed conflict. According to the newspaper, the group demanded $51 billion in compensation for years of Saudi airstrikes and a prolonged blockade.
The report also claimed that the Houthis sought political recognition as Yemen’s governing authority.
The Saudi denial comes amid renewed fighting between Riyadh and the Houthis, with attacks on shipping and Saudi territory raising concerns about regional security and the future of peace efforts in Yemen.
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