### Growing Strains on the Ceasefire
A UN-brokered ceasefire between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement has mostly held for nearly four years, bringing a rare period of calm to Yemen after years of devastating conflict. However, amid worsening economic troubles, the Houthis are again signaling hostility toward Riyadh.
### Mounting Economic Pressures
The Houthi-run administration in northern Yemen faces a severe financial crisis. Foreign cash reserves and customs revenues have fallen, while salaries for public servants remain unpaid for months. Economic paralysis has deepened discontent in territories under Houthi control, especially in Sanaa, where frequent power outages and rising food prices are eroding public patience.
### Renewed Hostility Toward Riyadh
To deflect public anger, Houthi leaders have revived their familiar rhetoric against Saudi Arabia. The group has threatened to resume drone and missile strikes, accusing the kingdom of obstructing economic relief measures and exploiting Yemen’s suffering. Houthi media channels have begun promoting images of military parades and new weapons systems, underscoring the group’s readiness to reengage if necessary.
> “If Saudi Arabia continues to starve our people, our patience will not last long,” warned a senior Houthi spokesman during a televised speech in November.
### Regional and International Reactions
The Saudi government, while urging restraint, has increased its defenses and warned against renewed attacks. The United Nations and Western diplomats fear that a return to violence could undo fragile peace talks and further destabilize the region. Efforts to negotiate salaries and revenue-sharing agreements remain stalled, as both sides accuse the other of political manipulation.
### Outlook
Analysts suggest that the Houthis are using military threats as leverage to secure economic concessions rather than signaling a full-scale return to war. Yet without real economic relief, the ceasefire’s durability appears uncertain.
> “Peace without bread will not hold,” commented one Yemeni analyst in Sanaa, reflecting the sentiment of many citizens living under Houthi rule.
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**Author’s summary:** The Houthis, facing severe internal economic strain, are reviving threats against Saudi Arabia to deflect domestic unrest and gain leverage in stalled financial negotiations.
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The Economist — 2025-11-28