President Trump has launched military operations against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis in response to their resumed attacks on shipping, resulting in casualties and regional instability. The Houthis originated in the 1990s, led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, and now control significant regions of Yemen amid a civil war. Their connections to Iran and actions in the Gaza conflict are complicating international efforts for peace and maritime security.
The recent military operations initiated by US President Donald Trump against Yemen’s Houthi faction represent a significant escalation in the region. This action follows the Houthis’ resumed attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 24 individuals to date. According to US officials, these military strikes may extend over a period of weeks, coinciding with intensified sanctions on Tehran.
The origins of the Houthis trace back to the late 1990s, when the Houthi family established a religious revival movement advocating for the Zaydi sect of Shi’ite Islam in Yemen’s impoverished north. Tensions arose with the Yemeni government, leading to multiple guerrilla conflicts against the national army and a border skirmish with Saudi Arabia.
Abdul Malik al-Houthi emerged as a prominent leader, transforming a small group of mountain fighters into a formidable military force. Under his leadership, the Houthis have amassed a significant arsenal of weapons, with allegations of Iranian support, despite Tehran’s denials. Al-Houthi is known for his elusive public presence and strategic military acumen.
The civil war in Yemen ignited in 2014 when Houthis captured Sanaa, prompting Saudi Arabia to intervene militarily to support the globally recognized government. Despite initial stability under U.N. peace efforts, regional tensions have escalated, particularly in light of recent developments related to Gaza.
The Houthis’ engagement in the Gaza conflict has accentuated their attacks on maritime shipping in the Red Sea, as they express solidarity with Palestinians and Hamas. These actions have hampered global shipping, unfortunately leading to costly rerouting of vessels. Despite claims of targeting Israeli-related ships, the broader shipping community recognizes the elevated risk posed by the Houthi’s military operations.
The Houthis have been associated with the so-called “Axis of Resistance”, which unites factions such as Hezbollah and Hamas against perceived Western and Israeli interests. Their slogan explicitly reflects an anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiment, and while both the Houthis and regional powers assert their autonomy, analysts note a complex interplay of foreign influences and domestic agendas shaping their actions.
The US military operations against Yemen’s Houthis underscore the complex geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran’s influence and maritime security. The Houthis, originally a domestic movement, have evolved into a regional force with significant military capacity, posing challenges not only to Yemen but also to global shipping. As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains fluid, necessitating international attention toward resolving these conflicts to restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
