Beirut, Lebanon – According to analysts, the United States-led attacks on Yemen’s Houthis will not deter them and could potentially embolden the group further. The attacks were in retaliation for the targeting of Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea.
The bombings carried out by the US and the United Kingdom were the first time the US or its allies had attacked Yemeni territory during the war. Despite this, experts believe that the Houthis could benefit from a raised regional and domestic profile, as they are not internationally recognized as the government of Yemen.
Within Yemen, the group known as Ansar Allah controls the west and is fighting for territory against the internationally recognized government of Yemen. Their actions in the Red Sea, along with their support for the people of Gaza, have been popular among Yemenis, leading to bolstered recruitment and massive rallies in support of the Palestinian people.
The Houthis have been intercepting Israel-bound and Israeli-owned ships passing through the Bab al-Mandeb strait in an attempt to pressure Israel to allow sufficient humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The group’s actions have caused major disruptions to global shipping but have resulted in minor damage to most ships. They have also avoided killing or injuring anyone on board.
Despite US air attacks and threats, the Houthis have not stopped their activities in the Red Sea, as their declared aims have not been achieved, and they do not fear US retaliation.
The group is also engaged in talks with Saudi Arabia over a long-term ceasefire, suggesting that they may be trying to strengthen their position through their show of power in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has also urged the US to exercise restraint and may be on track to recognize the Houthis.
The Houthis should not be seen as merely an Iranian proxy, and they may look to recalculate their regional alliances in the future. Their identity as a Shia group does not automatically mean that they will fall under Iranian influence, as the historical and cultural ties between Yemen and Saudi Arabia could play a pivotal role in their relations.