Lightning Houthi advance in Yemen may bring dangerous new dimension to Iran war
Houthi rebels have achieved a significant military advance in Yemen, capturing strategic coastal territory along the Red Sea. Analysts suggest this success, supported by Iran, complicates the regional conflict and makes the group more difficult to dislodge.
Why it matters
The Houthi control of the Red Sea coastline poses a direct threat to international shipping lanes and escalates tensions in the broader Middle East conflict.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have been struggling to contain Houthi advances
The Houthis' lightning advance across the southern reaches of the Tihamah – Yemen's arid coastal plain – appears to have taken most observers by surprise.
Until recently, the anti-Houthi coalition known as the National Resistance held significant territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast. In a matter of days, much of this has fallen to the Houthis.
According to some estimates, the Iranian-backed rebels have captured as much as 130km (81 miles) of the country's strategically important coastline.
It's the group's most impressive military coup for several years, proving that despite a civil war that has lasted 12 years, devastating Saudi air raids and attacks by American, Israeli and British forces, the Houthis remain a force to be reckoned with.
With their opponents stunned and demoralised, it's unlikely the Houthis will be dislodged any time soon.
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