Houthis maintain stronghold in Red Sea Despite US-led coalition efforts

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, known as Ansarallah, continue their maritime attacks despite sustained military operations by a US-led coalition aimed at deterring them.

Since January, the coalition, comprising the US, UK, and allies, has conducted numerous airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, but these efforts have not curbed the rebels' ability to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea, according to an article by Giorgio Cafiero, CEO and founder of Gulf State Analytics, a geopolitical risk consultancy based in Washington, DC, published by Responsible Statecraft.

The conflict escalated following Israel’s military actions in Gaza last year, prompting the Houthis to launch missiles and drones at vessels associated with Israel in the Gulf of Aden and southern Red Sea. Despite significant financial costs and over 450 airstrikes by the coalition against Ansarallah, the rebels remain resilient and capable of sustaining their operations.

Experts suggest that while the coalition strikes have caused some damage to Houthi capabilities, they have not significantly diminished their ability to threaten maritime security. The Houthis’ strategy appears rooted in a long-term vision, leveraging sustained support from Iran and local anti-Israel sentiment to bolster their influence both domestically and regionally.

The US-led approach, however, has faced criticism for its limited impact and failure to address underlying grievances that fuel Houthi actions. With the Yemeni government weakened and fragmented, the Houthis continue to consolidate power, posing a challenge to regional stability.

In summary, the Houthis’ resilience in the face of international pressure underscores the complexity and persistence of Yemen’s conflict, leaving Western and regional actors with few effective options to influence the rebels’ behavior.