Introduction:

Despite nearly a decade of war in Yemen, the world has largely ignored the Houthis, with the conflict often labeled as “the forgotten war.” However, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, the Houthis have propelled themselves onto the global stage. Seizing the opportunity presented by the ensuing Gaza conflict, the Iran-backed militia has transformed from a local insurgency to a significant regional power player, forcing the international community to take notice. This dramatic and unexpected rise of the Houthis represents a game changer event in Middle East geopolitics.

By launching a substantial number of missiles and drones at maritime targets and Israeli territory within the first year of their multiphase campaign, the Houthis have not only demonstrated their military capabilities but also positioned themselves as champions of the Palestinian cause aiming to be “first in, last out.” This paper examines how the Houthis’ actions have elevated their status within the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance,” rattled global markets, and compelled the world to confront a conflict that can no longer be dismissed as a distant Middle Eastern problem.

This analysis integrates research and cross-references multiple open sources, including official government statements, verified incident reports, and newspaper articles. The period under review spans from October 2023 to the beginning of January 2025, concentrating on events linked to the Houthis’ operational behaviors and their evolving alliances.

Key Points:

• The Houthis have evolved from a local militia to a regional power player through their three-circle strategy of maritime disruption, military projection, and regional influence.
• Maritime operations with over 100 vessel attacks have effectively disrupted global trade, reducing Suez Canal traffic by 60%.
• With 220+ attacks against Israel, including successful strikes on Tel Aviv, the Houthis have demonstrated significant power projection capabilities beyond Yemen.
• Strategic alliances with regional actors have expanded the Houthis’ influence across the Middle East.
• International military countermeasures have proven challenging due to the asymmetric nature of the conflict and the Houthis’ ability to sustain operations.
• Addressing this strategic surprise moment before it metastasizes and further impacts regional stability and security with global impacts requires a comprehensive response that transcends military solutions.

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The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of a number of international officers within the Combined Strategic Analysis Group (CSAG) and do not necessarily reflect the views of United States Central Command, not of the nations represented within the CSAG or any other governmental agency.