Houthi military capabilities surge with unprecedented support from Iran and Hezbollah

In a new report released Saturday, UN experts have raised serious concerns over the rapid military transformation of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who, with significant military backing from Iran and Hezbollah, are expanding their operational capabilities well beyond Yemen’s borders. 

This evolution represents a stark shift from a localized insurgency into a formidable military organization that now commands broader reach and capacity.

Since the start of the Gaza war a year ago, the Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen, have reportedly leveraged the heightened regional tensions, deepening their connections with the so-called “Axis of Resistance”—a coalition comprising Iran and groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. 

“The Houthi movement has evolved from a regional armed faction with limited reach into a powerful military entity,” states the report, covering the period from September 2023 to the end of July 2024.

The report highlights that this transformation has been enabled through large-scale transfers of military equipment and training, led by Iran’s elite Quds Force, Hezbollah, and pro-Iran groups in Iraq. 

UN experts further allege the establishment of joint operational centers in Iraq and Lebanon to coordinate actions across the region. The range and sophistication of military equipment, along with financial and strategic backing, signal an unprecedented level of external support, according to the report.

Arms and Training: Growing Parallels with Iranian Military Technology

According to the findings, the Houthis’ arsenal now includes advanced weaponry and missile systems, which experts say the group could not independently develop or manufacture. Military specialists consulted by the UN team have pointed out striking similarities between Houthi equipment and weaponry produced by Iran and its affiliates. 

The report details how, for several years, Houthi fighters have received tactical and technical training in Iran and Hezbollah’s training facilities in Lebanon, underscoring the international dimensions of the group’s growing strength.

Experts claim Hezbollah’s involvement in Houthi operations goes beyond training, extending to decision-making support, financial assistance, and media propaganda. Additionally, Hezbollah is reported to have contributed to assembling advanced weaponry, mobilizing youth for combat, and establishing a potent ideological foundation for the Houthi ranks.

The report concludes that, with this ongoing support, the Houthis have the potential to play a more assertive role in the region, further escalating the complex and volatile dynamics in the Middle East.