Key facts
- Yemen's Houthi rebels have become an increasingly disruptive force in the Middle East.
- The Houthis launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities on Tuesday.
- They have also targeted Israel and global shipping routes in solidarity with Iran.
- The Houthis are part of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' alliance.
- Between November 2023 and December 2024, Houthis targeted over 100 merchant vessels in the Red Sea.
- The U.S. and Israel responded with airstrikes in 2025, which largely ceased the attacks.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have escalated their disruptive activities in the Middle East, launching attacks on Saudi oil facilities and targeting Israel and global shipping routes. These actions, which began in earnest after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, align with Iran's broader regional interests and its 'Axis of Resistance' alliance.
The Houthis, who have been at war with Yemen's internationally recognized government since 2014, largely paused their regional attacks after U.S. airstrikes in early 2025. However, they resumed assaults on Saudi Arabia in July, declaring a blockade against the oil giant and threatening key maritime trade routes like the Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea, which typically carry 12% of global trade.
While Iran denies providing weapons, Iranian arms have been seized from ships bound for Yemen. The Houthis' campaign has significantly impacted global trade, with over 100 merchant vessels targeted between November 2023 and December 2024, leading to reduced trade flow through the Red Sea corridor. The conflict in Yemen has killed an estimated 150,000 people and pushed the nation to the brink of famine, exacerbated by a Saudi-led blockade.