West won’t stop Houthi attacks unless it works with Yemeni authorities, say experts

One expert claimed the Houthis’ actions in the Red Sea may have helped it to recruit tens of thousands of new fighters. Photograph: Yahya Arhab/EPA

Western efforts to stop Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea will fail unless the US and its allies build stronger intelligence and military relations with the UN-recognised government in Yemen, politicians and experts are warning.

Yemen’s ambassador to the UK has warned the Houthis have to be confronted and driven away from Red Sea ports such as Hodeidah. Similar calls were made by members of the Yemeni government coalition when they visited London last month.