Recent field developments and new intelligence reports reveal a significant military escalation led by the Houthi militia, backed directly by experts from Iran's Revolutionary Guard. This move aims to expand their influence over the Red Sea and threaten the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the same time Yemeni forces thwarted a Houthi infiltration attempt towards the international passage.
Military sources indicated that Yemeni forces stationed on Mayun Island and surrounding areas repelled a Houthi infiltration attempt supervised by Iranian experts. The Houthi forces were compelled to retreat after fierce clashes at frontline sites overlooking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, according to a report by "News Yemen".
The sources noted that the Yemeni army has deployed additional reinforcements to the area in anticipation of further attacks. The militia seeks to reach strategic sites that would allow direct oversight of Bab al-Mandeb—through which approximately 12% of global trade passes—intending to shift from aerial and maritime targeting to imposing direct territorial control, thereby enhancing their capability to threaten international navigation routes.
According to the sources, the infiltration attempt followed the Houthis' mobilization of forces and reinforcements from Kamaran Island, which the militia has transformed into an advanced military base. This is part of a plan to launch a surprise assault that would enable them to bolster control over areas adjacent to the strait, transitioning from missile and drone attacks on ships to attempting direct control over one of the world's most critical maritime passages.
The "Sheba Intelligence" platform, specializing in intelligence and field analysis, disclosed that the Houthis have begun executing the first operational phase of a new military plan, which includes synchronized naval escalation and missile force maneuvers towards Saudi Arabia.
The platform cited informed sources stating the militia has moved three explosive-laden and unmanned surface boats, along with small unmanned underwater vessels equipped with explosives, to the protected coastal area of Al-Luhayyah on the Red Sea. This step is seen as a prelude to launching surprise attacks against commercial and military vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb.
Additionall, the Houthi leadership has tasked commanders from the naval forces, coast guard, and the fifth military zone in Al-Hudaydah province with providing logistical support and preparing launch platforms, as part of preparations for wider maritime operations aimed at disrupting international shipping and elevating threat levels in the Red Sea.
Arab and WorldIran WarReuters: Iran backed Houthis with Revolutionary Guard leaders and military equipment
This escalation comes amid increasing warnings that Iran intends to employ the Houthi militia to open a new maritime front in the Red Sea, threatening global trade security and further complicating the Yemeni crisis.