How did the Houthis become so emboldened?

The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group in Yemen, have experienced a significant boost in their military capabilities, leading to an unprecedented expansion of their influence. This surge in their power has been marked by a series of aggressive attacks on Saudi Arabia, culminating in the seizure of the western coast of the country within days.

The rapid advance has granted the Houthis unprecedented access to the strategically vital Bab Al Mandeb strait, a narrow waterway that serves as a critical maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This development has disrupted global oil and goods transportation, affecting the flow of vital supplies and humanitarian aid.

The conflict's impact extended beyond Yemen's borders, as the Strait of Hormuz, another crucial route for international energy supplies, remained effectively closed due to the escalating war between the United States and Iran. This has further exacerbated the disruption of key trade routes and heightened regional tensions. The Houthis' brazen aggression intensified over the past week, with assaults on Saudi targets, including the holy city of Makkah, while also targeting the East-West pipeline in Iraq. Pro-government forces in Yemen have suffered substantial losses, amplifying the Houthis' momentum.

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher delves into the factors that have fueled the Houthis' capacity to fight, enabling them to achieve such swift and sweeping gains. The discussion features insights from Baraa Shiban, a political analyst specializing in Yemen at the Royal United Services Institute, as well as consultations with Cinzia Bianco, a Gulf expert and visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.