How Yemen's Houthis Defy Global Coalitions and Expand Their Military Reach
Despite years of airstrikes by international coalitions, Houthi forces in Yemen have expanded their military capabilities, missile arsenals, and territorial reach, presenting persistent security challenges to regional states.
The military balance involving the Houthi movement in Yemen has proven difficult to resolve despite years of heavy airstrikes by regional and international coalitions, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel. Instead of weakening, the Houthis have expanded their territorial control, military capabilities, and strike range. Recent attacks targeted a major international airport in Saudi Arabia and strategic maritime routes.
According to a 2024 UN expert report obtained by the Associated Press, the Houthi force has surged to approximately 350,000 fighters, up from an estimated 30,000 in 2015 when Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen's civil war. UN and intelligence reports indicate that Iran and its regional allies provide technical expertise, training, and advanced weaponry. Reports also show attempts by the group to acquire Chinese components to manufacture precise missiles with a 2,000-kilometer range.
While Iran denies arming the Houthis in violation of UN sanctions, the rebels maintain a vast arsenal of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones capable of reaching Gulf states and Israel. A major Houthi advantage lies in military economics: while Iran supplies advanced components such as guidance systems, the group manufactures most weaponry locally at a fraction of the cost of expensive interceptor missiles used by adversaries.
Houthis continue to strike sensitive targets in Saudi Arabia, disrupting aviation and threatening the kingdom's economic diversification plans. Despite advanced American defense systems, Saudi Arabia's vast territory and rugged border make defense challenging. A senior Saudi diplomat stated that Iran encourages the escalation and noted that the Houthis rejected a negotiation offer.
History demonstrates that air power alone is insufficient to defeat the Houthis. Extensive campaigns by Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK failed to secure a definitive outcome. Analysts emphasize that without cohesive ground forces, achieving a decisive victory remains unlikely. Meanwhile, regional actors remain divided, leaving diplomatic options constrained as the Houthis maintain their pressure.
