How Iran-backed Houthis grew from Yemeni rebels to regional maritime threat
The Houthi movement has transformed over two decades from a northern Yemeni insurgency into a regional power capable of disrupting Red Sea shipping, largely by aligning its interests with Iran.
The Houthi insurgency began in the early 1990s in the Zaidi heartland of Saada, positioning itself as a defender of a historically marginalized community. After the 2004 killing of founder Hussein Badreddine al-Houthi, his brother Abdel Malek al-Houthi steered the group toward a more militant stance, eventually seizing Sanaa in 2014 and prompting a Saudi-led coalition intervention. Over time, Tehran’s support grew from informal contacts to the provision of drones, long-range missiles and training, creating an asymmetric balance with Saudi Arabia and allowing the Houthis to threaten the Bab el-Mandeb shipping lane.
Analysts stress that the relationship reflects shared strategic goals rather than direct Iranian control, especially after the Gaza conflict weakened other Iranian allies. The movement’s capabilities are further bolstered by the absorption of former national army forces, tribal coalitions, and a diversified supply network that includes Chinese and Russian components and smuggling routes through the Horn of Africa. This blend of external backing and domestic opportunism has turned the Houthis into a significant regional actor.
Why it matters
The Houthis' growing strength threatens global maritime trade and reshapes power dynamics between Iran, Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
How this story developed
- Oct 5 Yemeni government troops capture key positions on Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Oct 17 President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt stands ready to defend Saudi Arabia if requested and called for an emergency parliamentary session to authorize such action.
- Oct 18 Airlines have extended their flight suspensions to October 17.
- Oct 18 Egyptian parliament scheduled an emergency plenary meeting to consider a defence mandate for Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 19 The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned Americans of ongoing missile and drone attacks on major airports and imposed travel restrictions on U.S. government staff.
- Oct 19 At least 18 people were killed and more than 30 injured when Houthi forces fired three ballistic missiles at the al-Aiam military camp in Shabwa during a training drill.
- Oct 19 The Houthis publicly claimed the missiles hit Saudi officers.
- Oct 20 Parliament announced a plenary meeting to discuss the request, with a vote expected this week.
- Oct 20 Britain’s Defence Secretary Wes Streeting announced that RAF Typhoons will conduct defensive counter-air missions over Saudi cities and critical infrastructure. The operation is purely protective and will not involve offensive strikes on Houthi positions. The deployment follows a series of deadly Houthi missile hits on Saudi airports and oil facilities, which have also disrupted Red Sea shipping. An A400 transport plane is also slated to deliver supplies as part of the plan approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- Oct 20 Britain announced it will defend Saudi Arabia while explicitly ruling out offensive strikes.
- Oct 21 An assault on Dammam airport in Saudi Arabia resulted in one fatality and at least eight injuries, authorities said.
- Oct 21 US removed non‑essential embassy personnel from Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 22 Relatives of diplomatic staff in other Gulf countries may also be asked to leave.
- Oct 22 Saudi aviation authorities have opened an investigation into the airport damage.
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