🔸The Wall Street Journal reported that the Houthis in Yemen, in response to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reach a peace agreement, have demanded $51 billion in compensation and recognition as the rulers of Yemen.

🔸The newspaper, on Thursday, 14 Aban, wrote—citing people familiar with the talks—that the Iran-backed Houthis are seeking this amount for damages caused by years of Saudi airstrikes and the blockade of Yemen.

🔸The demand comes at a time when the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports, and shipping routes.

🔸They have also, in recent weeks, seized parts of Yemeni territory and advanced to a distance of about 80 kilometers from Aden, the location of the internationally recognized Yemeni government.

🔸The Wall Street Journal writes that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not willing to enter negotiations without enjoying a military advantage, but military options are also fraught with serious risks.