How the U.S. Can Take on the Houthis

More than a year after the October 7 attacks, the Houthi threat has not diminished. In fact, it is evident that the Houthis have transitioned from a Yemen-focused militant group to an organized military force with regional ambitions, strengthened by disruptive military support from Iran and financial backing indirectly facilitated by China. By purchasing 90 percent of Iran’s oil through illicit channels, China has effectively enabled Iran to fund the Houthis.

The terror group has become a significant threat to maritime security and global trade. And there are indications that it’s expanding its influence into Somalia, where U.S. intelligence reports suggest the Houthis have been in talks to provide weapons to al-Shabaab. Despite the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the redesignation of the Houthis on the Foreign Terrorist Organizations list, and spending $4.86 billion on countering their activities, the U.S. has struggled to curtail Houthi influence.

About the Author

Zineb Riboua

Zineb Riboua is a research fellow and program manager of Hudson Institute’s Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East.

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More than a year after the October 7 attacks, the Houthi threat has not diminished. In fact, it is evident that the Houthis have transitioned from a Yemen-focused militant group to an organized military force with regional ambitions, strengthened by disruptive military support from Iran and financial backing indirectly facilitated by China. By purchasing 90 percent of Iran’s oil through illicit channels, China has effectively enabled Iran to fund the Houthis.

The terror group has become a significant threat to maritime security and global trade. And there are indications that it’s expanding its influence into Somalia, where U.S. intelligence reports suggest the Houthis have been in talks to provide weapons to al-Shabaab. Despite the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the redesignation of the Houthis on the Foreign Terrorist Organizations list, and spending $4.86 billion on countering their activities, the U.S. has struggled to curtail Houthi influence.