Houthis remain major threat amid support from Iran, Oman after Trump ends strikes

President Donald Trump made a surprising announcement this week that the U.S. would halt all bombing campaigns on the Houthis in Yemen, stating that the group “just don’t want to fight.” The decision came after weeks of intense strikes on the Iran-backed group. However, experts have warned that the Houthis are unlikely to remain idle despite the ceasefire.

In a press conference from the Oval Office, President Trump claimed that the decision to stop the bombings came after confirmation from the terrorist network itself. He did not disclose the source of this information but assured the public that the ceasefire agreement was in place. Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Oman’s foreign minister confirmed the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and the Houthis, facilitated by Oman’s mediation efforts.

Despite the apparent de-escalation, a new report obtained by Fox News Digital warned of the ongoing security threats posed by the Houthis and their supporters. The report, titled “The Houthi Challenge: Forging a Strategy to Defeat the Iran-Backed Terror Group in Yemen,” highlighted the role of Iran and Oman in enabling the Houthi operational capabilities.

Iran has been a longstanding supporter of the Houthis, providing training and advanced weapons, while Oman has allowed the group to operate from its territory and facilitate the smuggling of Iranian arms. The report emphasized the need for greater international pressure on Oman to address the threat finance challenge posed by the Houthi group.

The report also outlined the steps needed to effectively counter the Houthis, including a combination of military, economic, diplomatic, and soft power strategies. It cautioned against relying solely on military action, as past lulls in fighting have allowed the Houthis to regroup and strengthen their position.

While the ceasefire agreement may be a positive step towards peace in Yemen, experts have warned that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis. Without a long-term strategy in place, the U.S. and its allies could face a more dangerous and better-armed terrorist group in the future.

In conclusion, the decision to halt the bombing campaigns on the Houthis marks a significant development in the conflict in Yemen. However, it is essential to remain vigilant and address the root causes of the Houthi threat to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.