Radio National Breakfast Iran-backed Houthi group strike Israel in new front to Middle East war
Mar 29, 2026
Hisham Al-Omeisy, Senior Yemen Advisor at the European Institute of Peace, explains Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi actions and regional strategy. He outlines their capability to threaten the Bab el-Mandeb and disrupt global shipping. He discusses Houthi weaponry, timing of their moves, links to Iran’s proxy network, and the risks of wider regional spillover.
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Houthis Threaten A Strategic Global Chokepoint
- The Houthis can threaten global trade by targeting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
- About 12% of global trade and 10% of seaborne oil transit that chokepoint, so closure would amplify existing Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
Houthis Rebuilt Arsenal After Last Year’s Losses
- The Houthis possess ballistic missiles and drones and previously forced large-scale international strikes.
- After suffering heavy losses last year, they regrouped and rebuilt stockpiles, returning as a renewed military actor.
Timing Driven By Political Signalling And Regional Strategy
- The Houthis timed intervention to gain domestic support, project power regionally, and retaliate for attacks on Iran.
- Their spokesperson linked strikes to Israeli attacks on infrastructure and they aim to expand fronts to aid the axis of resistance.