The Houthi group in Yemen has taken control of the crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait thanks to a swift advance, turning the hitherto unruly highland militia into a regional force with influence on a global scale. The Houthis capitalised on the collapse of Yemen’s central government during the 2011 Arab Spring, gaining ground and forging ties with Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.
They overthrew the government and put an end to a political transition supported by the Gulf when they took control of Sanaa in 2014. In order to support the government, Saudi Arabia launched a military intervention. This resulted in years of civil war that came to a standstill and a ceasefire in 2022.
During Israel’s assault in Gaza from 2023 to 2025, the Houthis launched missiles and drones at Israel and foreign ships in the Red Sea, claiming to be in support with the Palestinians.
The Houthis have once again begun attacking Red Sea ships and Saudi Arabian oil installations while the United States has been attacking their closest ally, Iran, since February 28.In recent weeks, the ceasefire broke down, and violence resumed along the old front lines: the Tihama coastal strip in the Red Sea, the governorates of Marib and Jawf in the north, the city of Taiz in the southern highlands, and Dhale in central Yemen.
Also Read:
Parth Das, The Warren Buffett Of Video Gaming
Heart Over Hype: Nils Ehle On What AI Transformation Actually Requires
