Houthis reportedly seek $51 billion from Saudi Arabia

Yemen’s Houthi movement reportedly asked Saudi Arabia for $51 billion and recognition as Yemen’s rulers during discussions about ending hostilities, according to people briefed on the talks. The reported demands have not been publicly confirmed by the Houthis, and the accounts do not establish that the parties reached an agreement. The people told The Wall Street Journal that the Houthis initially sought the money as compensation for years of Saudi airstrikes and a prolonged blockade. They also said the group sought formal recognition from Riyadh as Yemen’s rulers. Other figures were discussed, but the amount remained in the tens of billions of dollars, according to those accounts. Saudi Arabia approached the Houthis to explore a negotiated halt to the conflict, the reports said. The talks were described amid renewed fighting and Houthi advances in Yemen. The group was reported to be about 50 miles from Aden, the seat of the internationally recognized government, while attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports had also been reported. Saudi officials were described as wary that meeting the demands could encourage further attacks or additional financial requests. Crown Prince...