Yemen’s Houthi rebels, once considered a local armed group with limited capabilities, have evolved into a formidable military force with the backing of Iran, Iraqi armed groups, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, according to a recent report by U.N. experts.
The report, spanning 537 pages and presented to the U.N. Security Council, highlights how the Iranian-supported Houthis have leveraged the conflict between Israel and Hamas to boost their standing within Iran’s self-proclaimed “Axis of Resistance.” This strategic move has enabled them to garner support not only regionally but also globally.
In a bid to support Hamas during the Israel-Hamas conflict, which erupted on October 7, 2023, the Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, disrupting maritime traffic in a critical geopolitical region. Despite claiming to focus on Israeli-affiliated vessels, investigations reveal that the attacks have been indiscriminate, targeting various ships in the area.
Data analysis from the International Maritime Organization, the U.S., and the U.K. uncovered at least 134 attacks on merchant, commercial, and military vessels originating from Houthi-controlled territories between November 15, 2023, and July 31, 2024. The utilization of a previously undisclosed ballistic missile, the Hatem-2, in these attacks underscores the Houthis’ increasing maritime capabilities.
The U.N. experts, comprising specialists in arms, finance, regional affairs, international humanitarian law, and armed groups from diverse countries, have shed light on the Houthis’ collaboration with al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and the strengthening of ties with al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabab in Somalia. This nexus poses a significant security threat in the region.
Moreover, the report underscores the Houthis’ transformation from a small armed faction to a well-equipped military organization, largely facilitated by the provision of military resources, training, and technical support from entities like the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, Hezbollah, and Iraqi experts. The transfer of advanced weaponry, including ballistic missiles, drones, and air defense systems, has significantly enhanced the group’s operational capabilities.
The panel also draws attention to the alarming recruitment practices employed by the Houthis, which involve the enlistment of Yemeni youths, children, and Ethiopian migrants. Reports suggest that children as young as 10 or 11 are coerced into joining the conflict, with recruitment efforts intensifying following key geopolitical events in the region.
As the conflict in Yemen escalates into a major international crisis, the report calls for urgent attention to address the growing influence and military prowess of the Houthi rebels. The implications of their transformation from a local militia to a well-armed military force extend beyond Yemen’s borders, posing a threat to regional stability and global security.
