Who are Yemen Houthis? Why They are Attacking Red Sea Shipping

 

The Galaxy Leader cargo ship is escorted by Houthi boats in the Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi group has escalated its involvement in the Middle East conflict by targeting vessels in the southern Red Sea. They claim these attacks are in support of the Palestinians during the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

On Sunday, three commercial vessels were attacked in international waters in the southern Red Sea. A U.S. destroyer responded to distress calls, providing assistance after missile and drone launches from Houthi-controlled territory, according to U.S. Central Command. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, claim responsibility for attacking two Israeli ships, a claim denied by the Israeli army.

Background on the Houthis

History

In the late 1990s, the Houthi family initiated a religious revival movement for the Zaydi sect of Shi'ite Islam in far north Yemen. This sect had historically ruled Yemen but faced economic challenges in its northern heartland.

As tensions with the government increased, the Houthis engaged in guerrilla wars with the national army and a brief conflict with Saudi Arabia.

War in Yemen

The conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa. Saudi Arabia, concerned about Iran's influence, intervened in 2015, leading a coalition to support the Saudi-backed government. The war resulted in the Houthis controlling much of the north, while the internationally recognized government operated from Aden.

After a period of relative calm, Saudi Arabia engaged in talks with the Houthis to end the war.

Arsenal

The Houthi arsenal includes ballistic missiles and armed drones capable of reaching Israel over 1,000 miles away. Their military spokesperson stated having a "large number" of such missiles and drones. They showcased their weaponry in a September parade, displaying missiles with ranges of up to 2,000 km.

The Houthis have used various missiles during the Yemen war, targeting Saudi Arabia. In September, they unveiled anti-aircraft missiles, naval missiles, a Mig-29 fighter jet, and helicopters.

They have also employed fast boats armed with machine guns in operations against shipping.

Role in Mideast War

The Houthis officially joined the conflict on October 31, declaring attacks on Israel and vowing to continue until Israeli aggression stops. Aligned with Iran in the "Axis of Resistance," they support the Palestinians since the conflict escalated.

Their slogan is "Death to America, Death to Israel, curse the Jews, and victory to Islam."

Links with Iran

The Saudi-led coalition accuses Iran of arming, training, and funding the Houthis, a claim the group denies, asserting the development of its own weapons. The U.S. military believes the recent attacks on commercial ships were "fully enabled" by Iran.

In summary, the Houthis have become increasingly involved in the Middle East conflict, utilizing a sophisticated arsenal and aligning themselves with Iran in the Axis of Resistance.

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