Yemen: a 'proxy war' between Saudi Arabia and Iran

"The Houthis did not expect such a strong reaction and as fast from Saudi Arabia and its allies. This military intervention thwarted their plans."

Faiza Garah, euronews: Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition against the Houthis in Yemen. To speak of this military operation and its consequences on the Middle East, we welcome, from Paris, Celine Jrizi specialist in Yemeni affairs.

To what extent, this operation she will help stop the progression of the Houthis and their allies, supporters of former President Saleh in Yemen?

Céline Jrizi: The Houthis did not expect such a strong reaction and as fast from Saudi Arabia and its allies. This military intervention thwarted their plans, it slowed their advance towards the south the big city, Aden.

euronews: With these raids, Saudi Arabia, she can really eliminate Iranian influence in the region?

Céline Jrizi: She can not eliminate Iranian influence, because Iran is a regional power. We are witnessing in Yemen to a proxy war, with one side of Saudi Arabia and its allies on the other Iran. I think the next few days will be difficult for Yemenis, who will pay dearly unfortunately this confrontation.

euronews: The United States and European countries could they intervene in the conflict?

Céline Jrizi If Westerners are involved, it will be on a logistics plan in support of the Arab countries. I do not think that the West clearly intervene in this war, even to save Yemen because it is not in his interest. This remains an Arab-Iranian war.