Regional escalation: who are the Houthis and what are they looking for?
The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, have recently been in the news following their attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, which they consider linked to Israel. This escalation led to retaliation by the US and UK, with strikes against sites used by the Houthis. But who are the Houthis really and what are their objectives?
Origin and power of the Houthis
The Houthis are a Yemeni armed group that takes its name from the Houthi family, who lead the movement. This group was born in the 1990s and is of Shiite persuasion. After taking control of the capital Sanaa in 2014, the Houthis managed to extend their hold over a large part of the country.
The Houthis are considered a powerful military force, with around 200,000 well-trained fighters. They are used to fighting in the mountainous and arid terrain of Yemen. In addition, they have long-range missiles and drones, some of which are believed to come from Iran.
Houthi objectives and ties to Iran
The Houthis have shown their support for Palestinians in Gaza by attacking ships they believe are linked to Israel in the Red Sea. They have also threatened to attack American and British interests, which they consider legitimate targets.
Iran’s support for the Houthis is often mentioned, due to their Shiite affiliation. However, it is worth pointing out that the Houthis follow a distinct branch of Shiism, called Zaydism, different from Iran’s Twelver Shiism. Despite this, in recent years, regional tensions and geopolitical rivalries between Saudi Arabia and Iran have favored a rapprochement between the Houthis and Tehran.
Regional escalation and current issues
The escalation of the situation between the Houthis and the United States and the United Kingdom has raised fears of a spread of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The airstrikes carried out by the two countries aim to restore stability in the Red Sea.
The question of the range of Houthi missiles is also raised, with attempts to target the Israeli port of Eliat. So far, Israeli air defenses have been successful in intercepting these attacks.
In this region where tension is palpable, it is essential to closely monitor developments in the situation between the Houthis, Iran and the other countries concerned. The security and geopolitical issues are important and could have significant regional repercussions.
Conclusion
The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, are currently in the news due to their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and their threats against US and British interests. Their military power and connection to Iran raise concerns of regional escalation. The current issues are complex and require particular attention in order to assess the possible consequences of this situation.