[Otto Harkaman]

What do the Houthi gain from the Red Sea conflict?

The Houthi movement derives several gains from their involvement in the Red Sea conflict:

1. Popular Support in Yemen:
   • By firing missiles at Israel or Israeli targets in the Red Sea, the Houthis earn popular support within Yemen.
   • This support helps them consolidate their authority, which originated from their 2015 coup against the Yemeni government1.
2. Political Leverage on the Global Stage:
   • Beyond the Middle East, the Houthis have secured political gains globally.
   • They recently reached an agreement with Russia and China to guarantee safe passage for Russian and Chinese shipping.
   • In return, these countries offer increased political support for the Houthi cause on the world stage2.
3. Demonstrating Military Capability:
   • The Houthis’ ability to employ Iranian weapons to interfere with and potentially shut down shipping in the Red Sea showcases their military capability.
   • This demonstration serves as a strategic message to regional and international actors.
   • Despite years of Saudi and Emirati airstrikes, the Houthis have maintained their behavior and territorial control3.

In summary, the Houthis gain both domestic and international advantages through their actions in the Red Sea, positioning themselves as a significant player in regional and global affairs.