Amidst the ongoing Gaza war, global concerns are intensifying over the potential escalation of the conflict, with a particular focus on the involvement of the Houthi militia in Yemen.
The Houthi rebels, often identified as a proxy force for Iran, have intervened in the Israel-Hamas conflict and have recently heightened tensions by attacking merchant ships in the Red Sea, including a U.S. destroyer.
Houthis launched three rounds of attacks on Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed at least 1,405 Israelis. None of those rockets, ballistic missiles and drones, which were fired at the Red Sea tourist resort of Eilat, are believed to have reached Israel, either having been destroyed by defense systems or falling short.
The Houthi movement shot down a United States drone last month, more than a week after the Iran-linked group, which controls vast swaths of Yemen, effectively declared war on Israel, raising fears of a regional escalation.
The Houthi militia traces its roots back to the Zaidi Shia community in northern Yemen, where the Zaidis felt increasingly marginalized by Sunni fundamentalists in the 1990s.
The group, initially known as Ansaruallah (“the followers of God”), emerged as the Houthis, named after the family that founded the movement.
Over the years, the Houthis have solidified their presence and influence, engaging in six wars against the Yemeni government between 2004 and 2010.
Their military prowess was further honed during the Arab Spring in 2011 when they joined the protest movement, ultimately leading to the ousting of the Yemeni president.
In 2014, the Houthi militia seized control of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and currently holds significant territories in western and central Yemen.
The Houthis’ rise to power has been significantly bolstered by Iran’s financial and military support. Iran, predominantly Shia, views the Houthi militia as a strategic ally in its bid to counterbalance Sunni influence in the Arabian Peninsula.
Tehran’s support includes the provision of advanced weaponry, such as long-range combat drones capable of evading radar detection.
As Israeli strikes continue to pound Gaza and kill civilians, Iran has repeatedly warned that if they don’t stop, “new fronts” could be opened in the war by the “resistance axis” – a network of political and armed groups aligned to Iran.
Tehran backs the Houthis in Yemen, Shia armed groups in Iraq, the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon and various Palestinian factions.
Iran, however, has consistently maintained that members of the axis act on their own accord – as Hamas did on October 7.
The Houthi rebels, with their arsenal and capabilities expanded through Iranian assistance, have become a potent force in the region, raising concerns about their potential to further escalate conflicts beyond Yemen’s borders.
The Houthi militia’s intervention in the Gaza war has taken a troubling turn as they target merchant ships in the Red Sea.
These attacks are not limited to specific nations but are aimed at vessels affiliated with Israel, raising the stakes and deepening their involvement in the broader Middle East conflict.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sari has explicitly threatened ships with ties to Israel, escalating tensions further.
In response to Israel’s actions against Hamas, the Houthi rebels appear to be intensifying their assaults on maritime infrastructure, posing a direct threat to international trade and maritime security.
One ship, in particular, suffered significant damage in a recent attack, heightening concerns about the potential economic and security implications of these assaults.
The Houthi militia’s involvement in both the Gaza war and the attacks on merchant ships has sparked fears of a broader regional conflict.
The potential for a confrontation between Iran, a prominent supporter of the Houthis, and Israel looms large. The possibility of other regional powers being drawn into the conflict raises the specter of a full-blown world war.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States, in coordination with international partners, is contemplating measures to address the Houthi threat and maintain maritime security in the region. The U.S. military has attributed the attacks on its forces in the Middle East to the Houthis, emphasizing the need for decisive action to protect international interests.
With tensions rising, the international community is urging all parties involved in the Gaza conflict to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions. Calls for a ceasefire and peace negotiations are gaining momentum, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort to de-escalate the situation and prevent further bloodshed.
As the world watches the complex dynamics unfold in the Middle East, the imperative for diplomatic solutions and international cooperation becomes increasingly apparent. The stakes are high, and the global community is on edge as it grapples with the potential for a wider and more devastating conflict.