Israel has intensified airstrikes against the Houthi militant group in Yemen, part of its broader campaign against Iranian proxies. This marks a strategic shift as the Houthis, backed by Iran, gain prominence, asserting influence in the regional conflict landscape while responding to Israeli attacks. The Houthis’ increasing military capabilities signal their pivotal role in the Iranian ‘axis of resistance’ against Israel amidst an evolving geopolitical backdrop.
Recently, Israel has expanded its military operations against the Houthi militant group in Yemen, marking a significant shift in its campaign against Iranian-backed forces within the framework of the so-called “axis of resistance”. With airstrikes targeting key locations, including the capital Sana’a and its airport, concerns have been raised regarding civilian casualties and escalating tensions in the region. Identified as the last remaining Iranian proxy in Yemen, the Houthis have been increasingly active, defending their operations against Israel while simultaneously benefitting from Iranian military support. The backdrop of these developments is a complex interplay of regional conflicts, namely the protracted civil war in Yemen and deteriorating conditions for Israeli military operations against its historical foes, Hezbollah and Hamas.
Persistent Israeli airstrikes on Houthi positions have intensified since mid-December 2023, following a considerable drone attack that disrupted critical humanitarian efforts in Yemen. The Houthis had previously declared their intent to counteract Israeli aggression, emphasizing their resolve to act against perceived threats to their sovereignty. Concurrently, significant developments, such as the successful recruitment of hundreds of thousands to their ranks, illustrate their growing influence and operational capacity amid ongoing global challenges to maritime security.
The Houthis’ increasing prominence in the regional power dynamics coincides with other nations in the Middle East, wherein the dynamics of conflict have altered significantly since the onset of the Yemeni civil war in 2014. Analysis indicates that while regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have sought to decrease their military involvement in Yemen, the Houthis have seized the opportunity to solidify their position, thus becoming an essential actor in the broader Iranian strategy against Israel. This simultaneous thrust of military operations directed by both Israel and the Houthis reflects the fluid nature of alliances and enmities that have come to define the landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen, which erupted into a civil war in 2014, has created a complex situation, reflected in the growing involvement of the Houthi militant group (Ansar Allah). This group, aligned with Iranian interests, has utilized varied military strategies to assert control over Northern Yemen, including capital Sana’a. Israel’s recent military actions are part of its broader conflict with Iranian proxies throughout the region, aiming to weaken Iran’s influence and its network of alliances that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Moreover, the Houthis have leveraged international tensions, particularly the conflict between Iran and Israel, to enhance their military capabilities and operational reach. Additionally, their coordinated operations with other regional militant groups, such as the Iraqi Islamic Resistance, have reinforced their position within the Iranian axis, a coalition counteracting Israeli and U.S. interests in the Middle East. Amid these developments, the waning power of Hezbollah and Hamas due to ongoing military pressures has positioned the Houthis as a pivotal force for Iran in this turbulent landscape.
The escalation of Israeli airstrikes against the Houthis signifies a shifting focus away from traditional adversaries like Hamas and Hezbollah to a renewed emphasis on Yemen as a crucial front in the struggle against Iranian influence. The Houthis have successfully expanded their operational capabilities and solidified their role as a central component of Iran’s strategic framework in the region. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the implications of these military engagements are likely to extend beyond Yemen, influencing maritime security and international shipping routes, thus affecting global economic interests.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
