Yemen's Houthis grow stronger despite years of air strikes by Saudi-led coalition

The Houthi movement has defied expectations over the past decade, emerging stronger from repeated air strikes and military operations launched by a Saudi-led international coalition. As the group advances on critical shipping lanes and targets Saudi oil infrastructure, military analysts say there are few untested options remaining to counter their expanding reach.

Experts attribute the Houthis' resilience to their operational structure and geography. Operating across Yemen's vast, mountainous terrain, the group has successfully dispersed its fighters and military assets, making them difficult targets for air campaigns. Simultaneously, they maintain capacity to threaten major regional infrastructure and disrupt global trade corridors, actions that have reverberated through international oil markets.

The movement's capabilities have been substantially enhanced through support from Iran and allied groups in Lebanon and Iraq, who provide military expertise, training and advanced weaponry, according to assessments by the United Nations and other international analysts. This external backing, combined with the Houthis' ideological commitment and organisational discipline, has enabled them to sustain operations despite the military pressure.

The group's hardline ideology has proven equally significant as external support in fuelling their campaign. Unlike some regional militias, the Houthis maintain strict operational discipline and strategic focus, characteristics that have enabled them to consolidate power and expand their influence across Yemen's conflict-torn landscape.