The Houthis: Understanding a Key Node in Iran’s Axis of Resistance

The Houthis of Yemen have appeared frequently in the news since they began their military campaign against shipping in the Red Sea. But policymakers and citizens in the United States and elsewhere still lack a sufficient understanding of the group. To combat the Houthis, Washington needs to understand the revolutionary Islamism that inspires their attacks on Saudi Arabia, Israel, and international shipping.

Earlier this year, airstrikes by Israel and the United States weakened the terror group’s benefactor, Iran, and targeted the group itself in Yemen. But it may still be growing its footprint in East Africa, destabilizing regional nations, and threatening to further bolster Somalia’s al-Shabaab—one of Africa’s most capable terrorist organizations.

Senior Fellow Joshua Meservey will discuss the Houthis’ beliefs, capabilities, and influence in Africa with an expert panel convened in conjunction with the Israel-Africa Relations Institute. The panel will also discuss:

• Iran’s support for the Houthis and how the group became a priority for Tehran
• China’s cynical dealings with the terror group
• How Israel views the threat and Jerusalem’s options
• Saudi and Emirati campaigns in Yemen
• The relative success of the US strikes against the Houthis