Houthi Fighters Hold Yemen’s Presidential Palace, Despite Deal

SANA, Yemen — Houthi militiamen remained in control of Yemen’s presidential palace on Thursday, a day after President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi and the Houthi leadership agreed to a deal aimed at defusing a violent crisis that had gripped the capital for days.

The Houthis had agreed to pull back their fighters from central installations in Sana, the capital, including the palace, in exchange for several political concessions from Mr. Hadi, such as amendments to a draft constitution. The deal was widely seen as a victory for the Houthis, who have repeatedly used military force as a cudgel during political negotiations.

Saudi Arabia, which has recoiled at what it sees as the Houthis’ strong ties to Iran, has begun sending aid to the tribes in Marib, according to diplomats, raising fears that the province will become a focal point for an escalating proxy war.

Shuaib Almosawa reported from Sana, Yemen, and Kareem Fahim from Baghdad.

The New York Times