Houthis have stepped up offensives against government forces and seized
strategic Red Sea positions, including Mocha and the Hanish Islands, within nine
days. Li Zixin, assistant researcher at the China Institute of International
Studies, says the escalation reflects three drivers: since Oct 2023 the Houthis
have frequently acted in the Red Sea citing solidarity with Hamas while building
missile, drone and cross-sea assault capabilities and coordinating with regional
allies to enable multi-front operations; the Yemeni government failed to
integrate its forces after a 2022 UN-mediated truce lapsed, leaving units prone
to collapse or preemptive withdrawal under multi-pronged attack; and US forces’
heavy engagement with Iran has created a temporary power vacuum the Houthis have
exploited.
