How the Houthis became a major military force

The Houthi group, originating in the late 1990s as a Zaydi Shi'ite Muslim revival movement in northern Yemen, has evolved into a formidable military force with Iranian backing. Starting as a local militia, they waged six wars against the Yemeni government, gaining significant territory and forging relationships with Iran and Hezbollah during the 2011 Arab Spring.

Their seizure of Sanaa in 2014 and subsequent ousting of the government led to a Saudi-led intervention, resulting in years of civil war that ended in a 2022 ceasefire.

Recently, the Houthis have rapidly advanced into southern Yemen, seizing key ports and coastal cities, including Mocha and the Red Sea islands, thereby gaining control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strategic move enhances their ability to disrupt shipping routes, a critical conduit for Saudi oil exports to Asia, and potentially launch future ground assaults on Aden.

The Houthis have demonstrated a growing capacity to strike with precision, firing missiles and drones at distances of over 1,000 miles, even reaching Israel's main airport. Their military arsenal includes a variety of missiles, drones, and captured weapons from Saudi-backed forces. The group's military tactics emphasize infiltration, drone attacks, and shelling along front lines, with support from Iran and Hezbollah for training and weaponry.

Despite a U.N. arms embargo, the Houthis have reportedly acquired advanced military equipment through both international smuggling and domestic production. They are believed to have 350,000 fighters, many of whom are under 18, trained by Iran and Hezbollah. Their military development has positioned them as a significant regional power with the capability to impact global shipping and regional security.