How the Houthis went from ragtag rebels of Yemen to global threat
Mint Mumbai|October 31, 2024
The Gaza war has allowed the Iran-backed Yemeni militants to broaden alliances with Iraqi militias, African jihadists and Russia
Benoit Faucon
How the Houthis went from ragtag rebels of Yemen to global threat

Iran's "axis of resistance" has suffered a series of blows delivered by Israel over the past month, including operations targeting the leadership of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah, and a strike last week on Iran's missile-making facilities used, in part, to supply the groups.

That hasn't stopped Yemen's Houthis from targeting more ships this week in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, the latest demonstration of how an escalating regional war appears to be boosting a once minor Iran-backed player in the region.

The Houthis have so far avoided the type of Israeli strikes that killed Hassan Nasrallah, the charismatic Hezbollah leader who turned the Lebanon-based militant group into the world's most powerful nonstate armed force.

A few weeks after his death, Israel killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the Gaza-based militant group's Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

By contrast, the Houthis have benefited by inserting themselves into the Gaza conflict, according to Western officials and analysts. Since the war started last year, the U.S.-designated terrorist group has launched drones and missiles at more than 80 commercial ships, snarling trade and increasing shipping costs.

The Houthis are also rapidly expanding abroad, lending their considerable manpower to conflicts elsewhere and forging international links with a range of actors in the Middle East, Africa and as far afield as Russia, according to Western officials.

"One of the unfortunate offshoots of the Gaza conflict is...that the Houthis have doubled down on their contacts with other malign actors in the region and beyond," said Timothy Lenderking, the U.S. special envoy for Yemen.

Lenderking, in an interview, called the trend "very alarming" and said the U.S. is talking with regional partners about how to respond.

A Houthi spokesman declined to comment.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MINT MUMBAIView all
India's economic performance is pretty robust on most counts
Mint Mumbai

India's economic performance is pretty robust on most counts

The economy's back on its high-growth path and fiscal consolidation is on track but our labour market remains a concern

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Mint Mumbai

We should be more receptive to paradigm-shifting ideas

Do we really have free will? Our brains are not wired to accept radical thoughts easily but we must try

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024
We need to invest in nature for the sake of humanity's future
Mint Mumbai

We need to invest in nature for the sake of humanity's future

Money must flow into what saves rather than harms biodiversity

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Is gold worth its weight amid our demat assets?
Mint Mumbai

Is gold worth its weight amid our demat assets?

It has been a buzzy buy in recent times, with its price soaring over the past year. Investors, however, are likely to be better served by going for intangible forms of this precious metal

time-read
2 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Mint Mumbai

The country needs to map its informal economy better

We need more accurate data on enterprises that play a major role in employing people

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Mint Mumbai

Some states have started to slip off their fiscal correction paths

Populist outlays and capital expenditure have widened their budget deficits. They must tighten up

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024
How a businessman in his 50s went gung-ho on MFs
Mint Mumbai

How a businessman in his 50s went gung-ho on MFs

From telecom retail to mutual fund: SIPs have bridged Singh's post-covid business slowdown

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Principal disabled? Know your PoA rights
Mint Mumbai

Principal disabled? Know your PoA rights

My father has been in coma following an accident. He had granted me a power of attorney (PoA) to manage his money, but the PoA has no specified duration. Is it legally valid for me to withdraw funds or conduct other transactions on his behalf for his medical treatment? -Name withheld on request

time-read
1 min  |
October 31, 2024
HOW SALMA HAYEK IS REDEFIMNG PHILANTHROPY
Mint Mumbai

HOW SALMA HAYEK IS REDEFIMNG PHILANTHROPY

In the worlds of Hollywood, fashion and activism, there's never been anyone quite like Salma.

time-read
9 mins  |
October 31, 2024
WORLD SAVINGS DAY: A REALITY CHECK ON INDIA'S DWINDLING HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS CRISIS
Mint Mumbai

WORLD SAVINGS DAY: A REALITY CHECK ON INDIA'S DWINDLING HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS CRISIS

High inflation and easy credit lead to financial instability due to overspending and rising debt

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024