UN Report: Houthis' Advanced Weaponry Tied to Foreign Aid

According to a recent United Nations examination, the sophisticated arsenal in the hands of the Houthi insurgents is largely the result of substantial support from Iran and its affiliated forces across the Middle East.

The exhaustive report, presented to the UN Security Council last month, details the findings of a team that the Houthis, based in Yemen, have been the recipients of military training, sophisticated armaments, technical guidance, and financial backing from Iranian sources, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and militant factions in Iraq.

Over recent years, the Houthis have orchestrated a series of aggressive operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, launching over 130 offensive actions primarily using missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to disrupt commercial and military maritime activities.

Throughout these operations, the rebels have targeted numerous commercial vessels, successfully sinking two and commandeering another, with its crew still reportedly held in Yemen almost a year later. These attacks have tragically resulted in the deaths of four sailors.

Exploiting Regional Conflicts

The UN experts emphasize how the Houthis have capitalized on the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, aiming to elevate their prominence within the network of Iran-linked forces designated as the 'axis of resistance.'

In a show of military strength, the Houthis displayed their impressive stockpile, including anti-ship, ballistic, and cruise missiles along with various drones, speedboats, surveillance equipment, and mines during a parade held in September 2023.

Foreign Dependency on Complex Weaponry

Despite their extensive arsenal, experts argue that the Houthis lack the native capability to independently develop such intricate military hardware and have likely received outside assistance in pinpointing and targeting commercial shipping, potentially bypassing vessel tracking systems.

"The unprecedented magnitude of military supplies, including technical and financial support, being channeled to the Houthis from external entities has been substantial," the report asserts.

International Interceptions and Military Countermeasures

U.S. naval units have persistently disrupted efforts to covertly transport weaponry from Iran to the Houthis. Recent interceptions include a January operation where parts slated for missile construction were confiscated.

U.S. military presence in the Red Sea has been a constant deterrent, as American forces have actively intercepted hostile missiles and drones, complemented by strategic airstrikes on Houthi positions within Yemen.

Remarkably, combined U.S. and UK efforts have led to the dismantling of over 800 Houthi missiles and drones, alongside the destruction of critical command hubs, radar installations, and weapon storage sites.