Yemen's Houthis Emerge as Global Threat Fueled by Chinese Parts and Red Sea Control

The Houthi movement in Yemen, estimated at 350,000 fighters, has rapidly seized control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the port city of Mocha within weeks. This surprise offensive, months in the planning, was facilitated by a new supply source: Chinese companies providing dual-use goods. This equipment is crucial for upgrading the group's sophisticated drone capabilities. Since declaring a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, the Houthis have attacked seven ships in the Red Sea and one in the Gulf of Aden, with four of the targeted vessels flying Saudi flags. The group employs asymmetric naval tactics, including fast attack craft, naval mines, and unmanned explosive boats.

During their advance since mid-August, the Houthis exploited their control over Yemeni communication networks to eavesdrop on rivals, sow confusion, and compel surrenders. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Houthi arsenal has relied on training and components from Iran's Quds Force since 2015, enabling them to threaten targets over 1,500 miles away, including Saudi Aramco facilities and sites in Israel. Their arsenal includes "Wa'eed" suicide drones, based on Iran's Shahed, and advanced "Samad" drones. Notably, the Houthis are the first non-state actor to deploy anti-ship ballistic missiles, such as the "Sayyad" missile, which can use radar to lock onto vessels.

To circumvent Iranian arms smuggling interdictions at sea, the Houthis have developed alternative supply routes. UN reports indicate the group now uses Djibouti in Africa as a transshipment point for weapons and engages in light arms trade with the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda's Somali affiliate.