HOUTHI REBELS: Rise of military power, regional influence

Tanvir Ahammed :

On Thursday, a cargo ship sank in the Red Sea following a deadly attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Of the 22 sailors and 3 security personnel onboard, at least 4 have been confirmed dead, and 15 remain missing.
Recently, in response to large-scale Israeli airstrikes, the Houthi-controlled military of Yemen unveiled their advanced, locally developed air defense systems. These systems have significantly challenged Israel, reportedly forcing several Israeli fighter jets to retreat during assaults.
The Houthis are an armed group primarily supported by Iran. Like Gaza’s Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, they are part of the anti-Israel axis known as the “Axis of Resistance.” The group claims to target vessels suspected of having links to Israel.
What Kind of Attacks Have the Houthis Carried Out?
Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched attacks on nearly 70 commercial vessels using missiles, drones, and small boats. Four ships have been sunk, one has been hijacked, and at least seven crew members have been killed.
In retaliation to Israeli military operations in Gaza, the Houthis began launching drone and missile attacks on Israel from November 2023. In July 2024, a drone struck Tel Aviv, killing one and injuring ten others.
On November 19, 2023, a commercial ship was hijacked in the Red Sea.
Additionally, nearly 100 vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have been targeted with missile or bomb-laden drone boats.
In March 2024, a missile attack by the Houthis killed three crew members of the Barbados-flagged cargo ship True Confidence.
The group claims it targets only Israeli-owned, flagged, or operated vessels-or ships heading toward Israeli ports. However, many attacked vessels have had no connection to Israel.
In September 2024, the US Navy reported a “complex attack” by the Houthis on an American ship in the region. All missiles were intercepted and destroyed.
In response, US forces launched airstrikes on Houthi installations in Yemen. According to the Pentagon, those sites contained components used in attacks on ships.
In one week of July 2025, two more ships were sunk. The Magic Seas and Eternity C-both Liberian-flagged and Greek-operated-were reportedly heading toward Israel, according to the Houthis.
Around 15 per cent of global trade passes through the Red Sea, and these attacks have begun to impact global commerce.
International Operation Against Houthi Rebels
To protect shipping lanes around Yemen, the US, UK, and 12 other countries launched a naval mission called Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Since January 2024, the US and UK have carried out multiple airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
In retaliation, Israel also struck Houthi bases.
Who Are the Houthi Rebels?
The Houthis are an armed political and religious group representing Yemen’s minority Shia Zaydi population.
They claim to be part of the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance,” standing against Israel, the United States, and broader Western influence. This axis also includes armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Formally known as Ansarullah (Supporters of God), the group was founded in the 1990s and named after its late founder Hussein al-Houthi. His brother Abdul-Malik al-Houthi is the current leader.