The recent resolution by the U.N. Security Council condemning Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea has put the spotlight on this Iran-aligned group operating in Yemen. Understanding who the Houthis are and their motivations is crucial to making sense of the escalating tensions in the region.
Origins and Objectives
Origins and ObjectivesThe Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, emerged in the 1990s as a political and religious movement advocating for the rights of Yemen’s Zaidi Shia Muslim minority. The group’s roots can be traced back to the northern Saada Governorate. Over the years, they have evolved into a formidable armed faction with a significant influence on Yemen’s political landscape.
The primary objective of the Houthis has been to address the perceived socio-economic and political marginalization of their community. However, their reach and ambitions expanded dramatically when they took control of large parts of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, in a civil war that erupted in 2014.
Houthis-Israeli Relations and Maritime Attacks
One of the key elements of the recent tensions involves the Houthis’ declared intention to target ships linked to Israel or bound for Israeli ports. This stems from their support for Hamas Islamists engaged in conflict with Israel, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The group sees attacking such vessels as a way to demonstrate solidarity with Hamas.
It’s important to note that the Houthi attacks on ships have not been limited to those with direct ties to Israel. Many targeted vessels have had no apparent links to the Israeli government, raising concerns about the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.
Alleged Iranian Support and International Response
Alleged Iranian Support and International ResponseThe U.S. has accused Iran of providing crucial support to the Houthi attacks, including advanced missiles and drones, in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. However, Tehran denies these allegations. The recent U.N. Security Council resolution implicitly endorsed a U.S.-led multinational naval task force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, aimed at defending commercial ships in the Red Sea from Houthi missile and drone attacks.
The resolution, sponsored by the U.S. and Japan, emphasized the right of U.N. member states to defend their vessels from attacks that undermine navigational rights and freedoms, signalling support for the international efforts to safeguard maritime security in the region.
Houthi Response and Global Implications
In response to the U.N. resolution, the Houthi spokesman in Yemen, Mohammed Abdul Salam, dismissed it as a “political game” and accused the U.S. of violating international law. The ongoing conflict and Houthi attacks have disrupted maritime commerce, prompting some shipping lines to divert vessels from the Red Sea to longer routes, with potential repercussions on energy and food prices.
As the international community grapples with finding a resolution to the conflict and addressing the root causes of Houthi aggression, the situation in the Red Sea remains a critical concern for global peace and stability. The complex dynamics involving regional powers, accusations of external support, and the impact on vital sea routes underscore the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a sustainable solution to the crisis.
Understanding the Houthis, their origins, objectives, and the factors driving their maritime attacks is essential in navigating the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape in the Red Sea region.
Read about the Chinese President’s calls for ‘stability in Sino-American relations’.
