Almost three years following the Houthis gaining global attention for assaulting commercial vessels near Yemen, the rebel group has significantly expanded its violent influence in the Middle East region.
The Houthis, a faction involved in the Yemeni civil conflict that resulted in over 100,000 casualties before a fragile truce in 2022, stand against the internationally recognized government supported by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. Originating in the 1990s from the Houthi family in northern Yemen, the movement began as a revival of the Zaydi sect of Shia Islam, historically dominant in Yemen but marginalized since the 1960s.
The civil strife erupted in 2014 when the Houthis rebelled against the government, capturing the capital city of Sanaa. By early 2015, Saudi Arabia, along with Gulf allies and U.S. backing, initiated airstrikes against the Houthis, supported by Iran. The conflict inflicted severe devastation on Yemen, with a death toll exceeding 150,000 and triggering a dire humanitarian crisis according to the United Nations.
Following a UN-mediated ceasefire in April 2022, violence subsided, but the Houthis redirected their aggression towards Israel and Red Sea shipping routes post an attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023. Their assaults on Red Sea vessels resulted in the sinking of two ships and the loss of four sailors by the end of 2024. Notably, Houthi attacks decreased during Gaza ceasefires and paused during U.S. airstrikes, which temporarily halted assaults on American ships.
The fragile 2022 truce is deteriorating, raising concerns of renewed civil conflict in Yemen, posing economic implications globally. The ceasefire’s stability faltered in July as the Houthis resumed attacks on Saudi Arabia in response to a Saudi airstrike on Sanaa’s airport, obstructing a flight carrying Houthi leaders from attending Iranian leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral.
The Houthi offensive extended to Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial shipping passage connecting Yemen and Africa. The strategic significance of the strait, a vital global maritime route alongside the Strait of Hormuz, has heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. The disruption of Red Sea traffic by the Houthis could empower Iran to leverage concessions from the U.S. and Gulf allies, impacting energy and shipping flows in the region.
The Houthis aspire to establish a Shia theocracy encompassing all of Yemen, positioning themselves as equal partners with Iran rather than mere proxies. Their goal aligns with Iran’s broader agenda to diminish U.S. influence in the region, despite occasional divergences in aims between the two parties.
Recent attacks have escalated shipping costs and propelled oil prices to surpass $100 per barrel, affecting global trade flows, particularly through the Suez Canal. The Red Sea annually facilitates a significant portion of global trade, and any disruption could force Europe-bound vessels to navigate longer routes around Africa.
In response to escalating threats from the Houthis, Saudi Arabia sought U.S. assistance, with President Trump engaging in discussions with Saudi leadership. While Washington opted against direct military intervention, it pledged support through intelligence sharing and targeting assistance. The Houthis’ intentions regarding the Bab al-Mandab Strait remain uncertain, with potential ramifications on regional stability and global trade routes.