As US-led airstrikes to weaken the Houthis’ capacity to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden decrease, the Iran-backed group displayed its military might in Hodeidah province, claiming to challenge Washington and Yemeni government forces.
The Houthis gathered thousands of fighters for a joint naval and ground exercise, claiming to have new weapons, including torpedoes, mines, unmanned submarines, and boats.
This show of strength comes amid concerns about a potential international military operation to reclaim the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, which is held by the Houthis.
Alongside a naval exercise that the Houthis claim simulates defense against potential landings, the group conducted ground maneuvers in mountainous and desert areas using artillery, drones, tanks, and various machine guns and sniper rifles.
Recent actions by the Houthis, along with statements from their leaders, indicate fears of an upcoming military operation to reclaim Hodeidah and its ports.
This is evident in the significant reinforcements they have sent to the coastal province, which they control, except for the districts of Al-Khokha and Al-Tuhayata, held by the legitimate Yemeni government.
The government has called on the international community in recent months to address the Houthi threats to maritime navigation.
Officials argue that the best way to stop the group’s attacks on ships is to support government forces rather than rely on US-led airstrikes that have been ongoing since January.
Informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Houthis have moved large reinforcements from Al-Jawf, Dhamar, Sanaa, and Ibb to Hodeidah.
They have also fortified their positions along the front lines, digging more trenches and laying additional minefields in preparation for any surprise attacks from government forces with international support.
In recent days, US operations against Houthi positions have slowed, allowing the group to carry out extensive maneuvers in Hodeidah without facing airstrikes.
On Oct. 17, Washington used stealth bombers for the first time to target Houthi strongholds in Sanaa and Saada, a move seen as a message primarily aimed at Iran.
The Houthis have reported over 770 Western airstrikes since January 12, part of efforts to curb the group’s ability to attack ships in the Red Sea.
The Houthis claim their attacks support the Palestinians in Gaza and, more recently, Hezbollah in Lebanon.
However, the Yemeni government accuses them of furthering Iran’s agenda in the region and avoiding the stalled peace process due to their maritime and regional escalation.
The group alleges it has targeted over 195 vessels in the past year. The Red Sea attacks have led to the sinking of two ships, the hijacking of a third, the deaths of three sailors, and injuries to others.
In recent months, the Houthis have launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel, though most have had little effect, except for one drone that killed a person in an apartment in Tel Aviv on July 19.
In response, Israel struck fuel storage facilities in Hodeidah on July 20, killing six people and injuring about 80 others.
Israeli airstrikes continued on September 29, targeting fuel depots in Hodeidah and Ras Isa, as well as two power plants and the city’s airport, which has been inactive for years. These strikes resulted in four deaths and around 30 injuries, according to the Houthis.
