Yemen’s Houthi rebels have become a major disruptive force in the Middle East.

They have struck Israel, Saudi Arabia, and global shipping routes in solidarity with Iran.

The rebels have been at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2014.

Saudi Arabia entered the war in 2015 on the government’s behalf.

A ceasefire largely halted the fighting in 2022.

The Houthis then targeted Israel and Red Sea shipping after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Those attacks subsided after U.S. airstrikes in early 2025.

In July, the Houthis resumed attacks on Saudi Arabia and declared a blockade against the oil giant.

The Houthis are members of the minority Shiite Zaydi sect.

Their official slogan calls for death to America and Israel.

The war has killed an estimated 150,000 people and pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

A Saudi-led blockade has isolated Houthi-run areas, deepening the misery.

The Houthis are part of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.”

Iran denies arming them, but weapons have been seized on ships bound for Yemen.

Between November 2023 and December 2024, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels, sinking two.

Their attacks on Saudi tankers serve Iran’s interests by opening a new front in the regional war.