The United States has announced an immediate halt to its military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, since October 2023 responsible for violently disrupting maritime trade in the Red Sea.
The decision was made public by US President Donald Trump, who said the Houthis had effectively “capitulated” and agreed to cease their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The breakthrough follows intense diplomatic efforts mediated by Oman, which confirmed that both sides had agreed not to target each other, thereby securing freedom of navigation in the region.
The Houthis reportedly informed the US administration that they “don’t want to fight anymore” and would suspend attacks on shipping lanes.
However, it remains unclear whether this commitment extends to the group’s ongoing hostilities against Israel, whom the Iran-backed militia has been targeting for the war in Gaza.
The announcement was made by Trump in the Oval Office and has been corroborated by multiple international news agencies as well as official statements from Oman.
The news comes after weeks of escalating tensions and dozens of casualties resulting from recent US airstrikes in Yemen.
While the ceasefire has been broadly welcomed, analysts caution that the long-term durability of the agreement remains uncertain, especially given the Houthis’ history of shifting alliances and ongoing regional conflicts.
Major outlets, including the BBC, have reported the details, lending credibility to the announcement.
The development marks a notable shift in US policy towards Yemen and could have far-reaching implications for regional security and international shipping routes.
Observers will be closely monitoring the situation for any signs of renewed hostilities or further diplomatic progress.
It’s early days though for ocean freight stakeholders to react, and general consensus is that the proof will be in lasting peace south of the shipping-starved Suez Canal.
