Abdul Malik al-Houthi and the rising influence of the Houthis

Abdul Malik al-Houthi has emerged as one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the Middle East. Over the past 15 years, the Houthi movement under his leadership has gained control over vast regions of Yemen.

The group's influence now extends far beyond Yemeni borders, impacting global trade and energy markets through disruptions in the Red Sea. The Houthis have utilized long-range weaponry to target oil facilities, commercial vessels, and have conducted drone attacks against Israel. Additionally, the group recently gained control over territory overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical global maritime chokepoint.

Following these actions, the United States designated the Houthi movement as a terrorist organization. The group has also strengthened its position within Iran's ‘Axis of Resistance’.