Despite Ongoing Peace Negotiations, Yemen's Houthis Display Their Ballistic Missiles and Drones

Houthi militants in Yemen, supported by the Islamic Republic, showcased their military power during a military parade in Sana'a, the capital, on Thursday. They displayed their advanced ballistic missiles and drones, threatening to expel foreign forces from Yemen. Mohammed al-Ateefi, the military leader of the Houthis, stated at the event: "We reiterate our warnings to foreign forces that we do not accept their presence on our lands. They must leave Yemen, or they will face the wrath of the Yemenis." This parade took place two days after Houthi negotiators left Riyadh following the latest round of negotiations. Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have held five rounds of talks so far regarding a potential agreement that could pave the way for ending the eight-year conflict. Future meetings are set to focus on the complete reopening of ports and the Sana'a airport, payment of salaries to Yemeni employees, reconstruction efforts, and a timeline for the withdrawal of foreign forces. Additionally, under a UN agreement, a more comprehensive political peace process is allowed to resume. The Houthis took control of Sana'a in 2014 and have been engaged in conflict with a Saudi-led military coalition ever since. This conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, along with Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and Sudan, formed a coalition in April 2015 to attack the Houthis in an effort to restore the ousted president. However, the prolonged conflict has left tens of thousands dead and millions unable to survive without humanitarian aid.