How Yemen's Houthis Became a Global Threat to Shipping and Trade
Yemen's Houthi rebels have become a major threat to global shipping after launching nearly 200 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea between late 2023 and early 2025. The group, backed by Iran, Russia, and Lebanon's Hezbollah, has also fired missiles at Israel while expanding its military reach. The Houthis, representing the Zaidi branch of Shia Islam, now command around 20,000 fighters. Their campaign has disrupted one of the world's busiest trade routes, forcing ships to reroute and raising insurance costs. Beyond maritime strikes, the group has targeted Israel, framing its actions as support for Palestinians.
In August 2024, Houthi delegates travelled to Moscow to finalise a $10 million deal for automatic weapons with arms trafficker Viktor Bout. Iranian intelligence has further aided the group by using Russian animation studios as fronts to smuggle weapons and Ukrainian grain into Houthi-held areas.
Russia's involvement extends beyond arms sales. Its shadow fleet of oil tankers has supplied fuel to Houthi-controlled ports, sustaining their operations. Analysts note that both Moscow and Tehran are leveraging proxy groups like the Houthis to undermine Western influence and destabilise global trade networks. The Houthis have grown from a regional militia into a force capable of reshaping maritime security. Their attacks on shipping lanes, combined with foreign backing, have forced governments and businesses to adapt. With continued support from Iran and Russia, their ability to disrupt trade and regional stability shows no signs of weakening.
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