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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