Houthis demand official recognition and $51 billion from Saudi Arabia to halt hostilities

Yemen's Houthis are demanding official recognition as the country's rulers and $51 billion from Saudi Arabia as conditions for ending hostilities, The Wall Street Journal reports. The group characterizes the payment as compensation for years of Saudi airstrikes and a blockade. Saudi Arabia fears that accepting these terms could lead to additional attacks and further financial demands. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reluctant to enter negotiations without first securing military gains, but is also concerned that deploying more ground troops could result in heavy casualties and domestic backlash.