IntelBrief: Undeterred, Houthis Threaten Regional Stability and Global Commerce

Bottom Line Up Front

• The Houthis have been among the most active members of Iran’s “axis of resistance” amid the Israel-Hamas War, challenging Israel, the United States, and global commerce.
• The Yemeni group’s targeting of commercial shipping through the Red Sea has imposed measurable, if thus far manageable, costs on global commerce.
• The political benefits the attacks offer the movement in Yemen and the broader region have incentivized Houthi leaders to continue the assaults despite U.S. and allied threats.
• U.S. and allied officials have warned the Houthis that continued assaults on shipping will result in military action against Houthi-controlled weaponry and other targets in Yemen.