The Houthis’ Rise from Local Gang to Global Menace with Michael Knights

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The Houthis of Yemen, once a minor Iran-backed militia, have emerged since Oct. 7 as a major force within Tehran’s “axis of resistance” due to their drone and missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea, their alliances with al-Shabaab and other jihadis, and their arms deals with Russia. This transformation raises urgent questions: What enabled it? How does the Houthis’ power affect regional dynamics? How have they managed to impede international trade for over a year? How best to counter this threat?

Michael Knights, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, specializes in the military and security issues. He has directed intelligence teams in Iraq, Libya, and Yemen, served as a defense journalist, and led analysis for security and oil companies. Mr. Knights holds a doctorate from King’s College London.