The role of the Houthis in the Red Sea conflict

On 22 February 2024, INCIPE held the virtual event entitled The role of the Houthis in the Red Sea conflict, with the participation of Carlos Echeverría, professor of International Relations at Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), and expert in geopolitics and jihadist terrorism. The meeting was presented by the Ambassador and Secretary General of INCIPE, Manuel Alabart. The presentation was followed by a round of questions moderated by Vicente Garrido, Director of INCIPE.

Carlos Echeverría began his intervention by emphasising the open and dynamic nature of the Yemeni conflict; he contextualised the conflict, which dates back a decade, underlining the crucial role of the Houthis, a fundamental group in the Civil War scenario. He describes the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, as a movement founded by Badreddin al-Houthi, which identifies with Zaydism, a branch of Shia Islam, and which acts as a proxy for the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region.

Echeverría details how the conflict has generated destabilising consequences both internally and regionally, exacerbating inter-communal tensions and affecting security in Yemen and neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

He also examines the role of other regional and international actors, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces, in the Yemeni scenario. He highlights the military and political empowerment of the Houthis and their connection to Iran, evidenced by the sophisticated arsenal of weapons they have acquired, including drones and ballistic missiles.

Echeverría provides a detailed analysis of the attacks perpetrated by the Houthis against targets in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Israel, and how these incidents have contributed to the escalation of tensions in the region. He discusses the economic and psychological impact of these attacks, as well as the military and diplomatic responses of the affected countries. Echeverría also explores international efforts to address the Yemeni crisis, including peace negotiations and attempts at mediation between the warring parties. However, he stresses that the conflict persists and continues to pose a significant threat to regional and global stability.

A discussion took place at the end of the session, in which participants raised questions on issues such as the categorisation of the Houthis; the context of the civil war in Yemen; as well as the possibility of South Yemen’s independence. There were also discussions on the missions carried out in the Red Sea to try to ensure safe navigation; on the feedback loop between the Red Sea conflict and the war in Sudan; and on the possibility of increased tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. In addition, the implications of Iran, the role of Arab states, and, finally, Spain’s position in the conflict were discussed.

Elena Ferro

INCIPE