U.N. experts report that Yemen’s Houthi rebels have transformed into a significant military force with Iranian support, especially following the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis have conducted at least 134 attacks against maritime vessels, using advanced weaponry, which marks a dangerous escalation since World War II. The group has seen a dramatic rise in fighter numbers and has intensified recruitment efforts, particularly among children. The report underscores the potential for increased conflict if current trends continue.
A recent report by U.N. experts reveals a significant transformation of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have evolved from a localized armed group into a formidable military force with substantial backing from Iran and other regional militant groups. The Houthis, who have capitalized on the Israel-Hamas conflict, have positioned themselves within Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance” to bolster their regional influence. The report highlights the Houthis’ maritime attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, which have escalated following the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza, endangering global shipping lanes. An alarming total of at least 134 incidents of aggression against various ships from Houthi-controlled areas was documented between November 2023 and July 2024. The U.N. experts noted that the increase in maritime operations has significantly augmented the Houthis’ regional impact and that the nature of these attacks is unprecedented since World War II. Moreover, the Houthis have utilized advanced military technology, including a new missile identified as the Hatem-2. This capability is attributed to the support from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and various militia experts from Lebanon and Iraq. Furthermore, the experts report that the number of Houthi fighters has dramatically increased to approximately 350,000, largely due to recruitment efforts that exploit local vulnerabilities, including targeting children and marginalized communities. In the wake of conflicts and instability, the report indicates that the conventional military landscape within Yemen is precarious, suggesting a potential resurgence of hostilities may be imminent.
The Houthi rebels have been embroiled in a civil conflict against Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2014, when they seized control of the capital, Sanaa. Initially regarded as a localized insurgency, the group has received significant military assistance from Iran and allied groups throughout the years, particularly during the escalation in violence in the region. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has provided the Houthis with an opportunity to further assert their military capabilities and enhance their relations with other militant factions in the Middle East. The U.N.’s latest assessment provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving dynamics of the Yemeni conflict and the transnational implications of Houthi militarization.
In summary, the U.N. report illustrates the dramatic evolution of Yemen’s Houthi rebels into a sophisticated military entity, bolstered by external support and active recruitment strategies. This development poses significant risks not only within Yemen but also on a global scale, particularly regarding maritime security in the strategically vital Red Sea. The report cautions that without effective intervention, the conflict may further deteriorate, leading to heightened instability in the region. The recruitment of children and the exploitation of vulnerable populations highlight the humanitarian crisis intertwined with the military escalation. The findings call for comprehensive international efforts to address the multifaceted challenges posed by this conflict.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
