Houthi & its Backers

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Houthis & Thier Backers

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Houthis Growing Abilities, Who are backers?

South Eye | Analysis - Exclusive

The Houthis have evolved from a localized insurgent group into a formidable regional force, significantly impacting the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. This transformation has been facilitated by substantial support from Iran, and more recently, indications suggest potential backing from Russia. Their enhanced capabilities have enabled them to pose credible threats not only to neighboring countries but also to international maritime activities in the Red Sea and beyond.

Iran's support for the Houthis has been well-documented, encompassing the provision of advanced weaponry, training, and financial assistance. This backing has empowered the Houthis to execute sophisticated operations, including missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Southern Forces and, more recently, Israel. The United States military has responded to these provocations with precision strikes against Houthi targets in North of Yemen, aiming to curtail their aggressive actions. 

In addition to Iranian support, there are emerging reports suggesting that Russia extending assistance to the Houthis. This support could potentially include the provision of advanced weaponry and intelligence, further enhancing the Houthis' operational capabilities. Such backing would not only bolster the Houthis' position within north of Yemen but also amplify their influence across the region, posing a multifaceted challenge to regional stability.

A particularly concerning development is the reported collaboration between the Houthis and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Despite ideological differences, both groups appear to be coordinating efforts against common adversaries, including the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in South. This alliance reportedly involves the transfer of weapons, including drones and thermal rockets, and the release of key AQAP figures from detention. Such cooperation not only strengthens both groups but also exacerbates the security challenges faced by the STC and complicates efforts to stabilize the region. 

The Houthis' expanding network and enhanced capabilities have enabled them to disrupt international shipping routes in the Red Sea, conduct missile attacks on neighboring countries, and engage in sophisticated military operations. Their collaboration with groups like AQAP and potential support from state actors like Iran and Russia further complicate the security landscape, necessitating a coordinated and multifaceted response from regional and international stakeholders.

The Houthis' evolution into a potent regional force, bolstered by external support and strategic alliances, presents a complex challenge to regional stability and security. Addressing this threat requires a comprehensive approach that considers the multifaceted nature of the Houthis' capabilities, their external backers, and their alliances with other non-state actors in the region.

But amid these threats, is there any other player/s? Let's analysis Turkey and its regional alliance/proxies!

It seems that Turkey's involvement in Yemen's complex conflict has been characterized by a nuanced approach, officially supporting Yemen's legitimate government especially under its proxy such Islah Party, while expressing concerns over external military interventions. This stance has shown that Turkey indirectly sympathetic to the Houthi movement, although no concrete evidence supports direct military or logistical support to the Houthis. But, In January 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized U.S. and British airstrikes on Houthi targets in north Yemen, describing them as disproportionate and expressing concerns over escalating violence in the Red Sea region, especially after Houthi prohibited any ships to Israel, in which Turkey has continued shipping trade to Israel, as has been seen in the last week. 

Concurrently, the Turkish Parliament extended the mandate of its naval mission in the Gulf of Aden, Somali territorial waters, and the Arabian Sea for another year. This mission aims to combat piracy and ensure the safety of maritime routes, aligning with Turkey efforts to secure these vital waterways. However, this extension has been met with criticism from opposition figures who argue that Turkey's regional involvement could entangle the country in complex conflicts, especially given Erdoğan's critical stance on actions against the Houthis. 

So, while Turkey's diplomatic rhetoric and regional activities may suggest indirect stance toward the Houthi movement, there is substantiated evidence of direct support for the Houthis especially the moral one. Turkey's actions appear to be driven by a broader foreign policy strategy that opposes external military interventions and seeks to enhance its influence in the Middle East through diplomatic engagement and strategic deployments.