Exclusive – Al-Khabar Al-Yemeni:
Andreas Krieger, associate professor in the Department of In-Depth Defense Studies at King’s College in London, said that the recent American strikes on Yemen will not break the will of the Houthis but may even enhance their steadfastness and strength in the face of military pressure.
He confirmed that the Yemeni group, which has shown “immense endurance” during years of bombardment, has not retreated strategically, noting that their network has remained solid despite the continuous attacks.
In an interview with him on France 24 English, the associate professor in the Department of In-Depth Defense Studies described the American strikes that targeted sites in Sana’a, Sa’ada, Marib, and Hajjah as “a major escalation” by Washington, but he pointed out that they lack an effective strategy to deal with the Yemeni group.
Krieger said, “They do not respond to the policy of punitive deterrence but rather are growing stronger and more confident,” adding that the war in Gaza and the Western reactions have strengthened their position over the past 18 months.
He believed that the American strikes, which Washington claims have killed prominent leaders of the group, are nothing more than an attempt to pressure Iran, but he stressed the independence of the Houthis as a Yemeni actor rooted in the local community, saying, “They don’t depend primarily on Iran to operate or stop, but they have self-empowerment.”
He added that Trump is mistaken in estimating that military pressure will change their behavior, noting that the recent escalatory rhetoric of the Houthis reflects their growing strength.
In commenting on the statements of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about “eliminating the Houthis’ offensive capabilities,” Krieger downplayed the feasibility of this goal, explaining that the group relies on simple technology that it can develop locally, which makes it able to continue its operations in Bab Al-Mandeb regardless of the strikes.
He concluded by saying that “the military solution is not possible,” implicitly calling for recognition of the Houthis’ strength and the need to negotiate with them as a key party.
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