Barran Press
Yemen’s multifaceted crises continue to escalate, with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, infrastructure collapse, and a worsening humanitarian situation dominating the headlines.
Houthi Provocations and Regional Tensions
Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaea Al-Zindani, in an interview with Kuwait’s Al-Seyassah, accused Iran of destabilizing the region and urged the Houthis to “embrace peace.” The Iran-backed group, which controls northern Yemen, has used the Gaza conflict to justify attacks, raising questions about their commitment to stability.
Trump’s Houthi Terror Designation
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to re-designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization has sparked debate. While Yemen’s government supports the move, concerns persist over its impact on humanitarian aid. Jamal Belfqih, Yemen’s relief coordinator, called for restructuring aid delivery to ensure it reaches those in need (Middle East).
David De Roche, a Pentagon strategist, told Al Jazeera that the Houthis’ attacks on international shipping made the designation inevitable, emphasizing their shift from a regional to a global threat.
Aden’s Historic Blackout
Aden faced its first total power outage on January 27, 2025, after the Petromasila power plant ran out of fuel. Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported that the crisis highlights Yemen’s crumbling infrastructure and administrative failures. Temporary fuel shipments from Hadramawt have provided limited relief, but the situation remains dire.
Winter Diseases and Cholera Outbreak
Yemen’s harsh winter has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that families in Taiz cannot afford heating or winter clothing, leaving children vulnerable to flu and respiratory infections. Meanwhile, the WHO confirmed over 261,000 cholera cases and 879 deaths in 2024, with conflict and climate disasters worsening the outbreak.
Shipping Companies Remain Cautious
Despite Houthi pledges to halt Red Sea attacks, major shipping firms like Maersk and MSC are avoiding the region, citing ongoing instability (Arabi21, Wall Street Journal). The Houthis have threatened to resume attacks if Israel continues military operations in the West Bank.