Escalating Tensions Between UK-Houthi Stir Unease Among British Yemenis

The British-Yemeni community has been left in a state of concern as the conflict between the United Kingdom and the Houthi rebels in Yemen appears to be intensifying rather than abating. Despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's initial assurance that the UK and US strikes on Houthi targets in January were a "limited, single action," subsequent rounds of attacks have been carried out. The fear now is not so much about the immediate impact but rather the likelihood of a wider, deeper conflict that could destabilize the region and impact global trade.

With about 80,000 Yemenis residing in Britain, of whom approximately 11,000 live in Liverpool's historic Yemeni community, the conflict hits close to home for many. Ahmed Hamood, a Liverpool shop owner and member of this diaspora, has expressed shock and worry concerning the military strikes. His concern is echoed by many who feel that Yemen's recent history of violence could possibly resurge, given the tense climate.

The current crisis was triggered following Israel's military action in Gaza, with the Houthis launching attacks to disrupt Red Sea shipping in retaliation. The Houthis see their actions as a direct response to what they perceive as Israeli aggression in Gaza and Western support thereof. This alignment has garnered some support for the Houthis within the Yemeni diaspora in the UK, despite general opposition to their overall agenda in Yemen.

Najib al-Hakimi, a community organizer, highlighted the complex sentiment among the British Yemenis. While many disagree with the Houthis’ divisive influence within Yemen, there is an understanding, if not agreement, regarding their retaliatory stance on the Israel-Gaza situation.

Yemen's history is marked by a catastrophic civil war that began in 2014 after the Houthis overthrew the president. The fighting has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, leaving the country in a dire humanitarian crisis. A ceasefire in 2022 brought some respite, but the truce has now expired, leaving many to worry about the possibility of renewed internal conflict.

The Houthi's recruitment of new fighters may significantly tilt the balance of power inside Yemen, affecting the peace process, if the internal peace can be called that. Amina Ali, a British-Yemeni student, reflected on the fragility of Yemen's systems and the potential repercussions of renewed conflict.

While some believe that the US and UK are unlikely to seek broader conflict, there is still the matter of the Houthis' actions that disrupt one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The cost of rerouting ships due to the conflict is mounting, raising concerns over the impact on global trade. Should the Houthis continue to "ban" vessels from the UK, US, and Israel, these concerns will only escalate.