Yemen’s Houthi movement has demanded $51 billion (approximately ৳6.5 lakh crore BDT) in war reparations alongside formal recognition as the legitimate government of Yemen from Saudi Arabia in exchange for a full ceasefire. Citing a detailed report published by The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the demand came during ongoing informal diplomatic talks between Riyadh and Houthi representatives aimed at de-escalating border conflict and maritime attacks.
The financial demand was presented as compensation for over a decade of air strikes, infrastructure destruction, and naval blockades enforced by the Saudi-led coalition. According to the report, Saudi Arabia initiated inquiries regarding what conditions would persuade the Houthis to cease missile and drone attacks against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and relinquish control over the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Read nextIran Grants Special Transit Exemptions to India, China, Iraq, and Qatar in the Strait of HormuzThe report also highlighted severe strategic dilemmas within Riyadh. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly prefers negotiating from a position of military strength but remains hesitant to deploy additional ground forces into Yemen due to fears of heavy casualties and domestic political pressure. Meanwhile, Saudi officials expressed concern that yielding to the $51 billion payout could set a dangerous precedent, incentivizing the Iran-backed group to escalate tensions whenever they require additional funding in the future.
The conflict, which originally erupted in 2015, saw a UN-mediated truce in 2022. However, the truce collapsed in July 2026 after Saudi forces struck Sana'a International Airport. In response, the Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 22, 2026, leading to near-daily missile and drone strikes throughout October.
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Reported by International Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
