NYN | News
Signals continue to emerge from within American research centers confirming that the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) has become a cohesive military force that is difficult to break, according to new assessments that reveal a significant strategic shift in the Yemeni and regional landscape.
In a seminar held Wednesday by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, prominent military analyst Michael Knights stated that the Houthis (Ansar Allah) possess operational capabilities far greater than previously believed, especially in the field of missiles and drones. This, he said, reinforces their image as a force that cannot be deterred.
Knights added that the group has shown an increasing ability to launch advanced medium-range ballistic missiles toward Israel, and it is likely to continue this pattern of operations as part of what appears to be a systematic strategy with regional and international objectives.
He pointed out that the Houthis (Ansar Allah) have demonstrated significant effectiveness in managing large-scale firepower, whether by targeting vital maritime routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, or by striking key facilities in Gulf countries, and even directly threatening U.S. military bases in the region.
Knights continued: Despite sustained strikes against them in recent months—particularly by the United States and the United Kingdom—the Houthis have maintained their military momentum and continued their domestic production lines of missiles and drones, which was not anticipated by many decision-makers.
He noted that intelligence estimates indicate the Houthis’ (Ansar Allah) arsenal has not significantly diminished; in fact, some believe it has become more advanced in terms of precision, range, and effectiveness. This presents a direct challenge to U.S. deterrence efforts and to the regional coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Knights’ remarks come at a time when the Red Sea and its surroundings are witnessing a cautious calm following the failure of U.S. airstrikes and Washington’s request for an agreement with Sana’a.
