Paulo Aguiar
Since stepping into the Israel-Hamas conflict in late 2023, the Houthis have steadily gained military strength and political leverage. The war has fueled their recruitment, increasing their forces from an estimated 220,000 in 2022 to around 350,000 by late 2024. Their foothold in northern Yemen has only grown stronger, drawing in local tribes and political groups that align with their anti-Israel stance. The group’s ability to leverage regional conflicts for political and military gain has raised concerns over Yemen’s internal stability and broader regional security.
An increasingly sophisticated military player in the Red Sea region
The Houthis’ military power has expanded with significant support from Iran, which has provided them with advanced missile and drone technology. Their arsenal now includes the Hatem-2 missile, the Asif anti-ship missile, and Iranian-made drones, enabling them to strike targets at long distances, including Israel, US and UK warships, and critical maritime trade routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The group’s military doctrine has evolved beyond traditional guerrilla tactics, adopting strategies similar to Iran’s other regional proxies, such as Hezbollah and Hamas. This evolution includes the use of swarm drone warfare, precision-guided missile strikes, and a growing reliance on electronic warfare tactics to counter air and missile defense systems. The Houthis have also developed sophisticated deployment strategies, utilizing mobile launch platforms, coastal areas, and deeply buried underground storage facilities.
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