Supporters of the Houthi movement rally to denounce air strikes launched by the U.S. and Britain on Houthi targets, in Sanaa, Yemen January 12, 2024. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah/File Photo
In Yemen, sources indicate that commanders affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon’s Hezbollah are reportedly present on the ground, overseeing and directing Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. This information is based on accounts from four regional and two Iranian sources, as reported by Reuters.
It is asserted that Iran, a supporter of the Houthi militia, has increased the supply of weaponry to the group, including advanced drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, precision-strike ballistic missiles, and medium-range missiles. This escalation in support allegedly followed the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, initiated by Iranian-backed militants from Hamas.
IRGC commanders and advisers are said to be offering expertise, data, and intelligence support to identify and target vessels traveling through the Red Sea, particularly those bound for Israel. The United States has previously stated that Iran played a significant role in planning Houthi operations against shipping in the Red Sea, emphasizing the importance of Iranian intelligence in facilitating such attacks.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, has consistently denied Tehran’s involvement in the Red Sea attacks by the Houthis. The Houthis themselves, through their spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam, also deny any Iranian or Hezbollah involvement in directing these attacks.
The Houthi attacks on commercial ships are purportedly linked to their support for Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks have disrupted global shipping between Asia and Europe through the Bab al-Mandab strait off Yemen, leading to U.S. and British airstrikes on Houthi targets.
Analysts suggest that Iran’s strategy involves expanding its regional Shiite network of armed militias to demonstrate influence and the capacity to threaten maritime security. The Red Sea attacks are viewed as part of this broader regional strategy, intending to convey the potential costliness of the Gaza conflict for the West.
Allegedly, the Houthis are not acting independently but are receiving military training on advanced weapons from the IRGC. Iranian commanders reportedly traveled to Yemen to set up a command center for the Red Sea attacks.
The Houthis claim that their aim is to target Israeli ships heading to Israel without causing significant human or material losses. While acknowledging a relationship with Iran, they assert that the decision to engage in these attacks is independent.
A security official close to Iran acknowledges Iranian support for the Houthis, providing guidance and advice on shipping routes and ships, similar to Iran’s role in Syria. The official mentions the presence of Iranian Guards members in Sanaa to assist with the operations.
While Iran denies direct involvement in the Red Sea attacks, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has expressed support for the Houthis, praising their strikes. There are also accusations by the United States and Gulf Arab states of Iran arming, training, and financing the Houthis as part of its broader regional strategy.
In summary, the situation involves allegations of Iranian and Hezbollah involvement in directing Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, with the Houthis receiving support in terms of weaponry, training, and intelligence. These actions are perceived as part of Iran’s regional strategy to expand its influence.
COMMENTS