The Ansar Allah group of Yemen, with its rapid progress in controlling the Bab al-Mandab Strait, has been recognized as a regional player with global influence. This group, which began as a Zaidi Shia revival movement in northern Yemen in the late 1990s, has now transformed into a powerful military force capable of disrupting vital transportation and targeting oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, with support from Iran.
History and Early Developments
Ansar Allah took advantage of the collapse of the central Yemeni government during the Arab Spring in 2011, establishing relations with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. In 2014, the group seized Yemen's capital, Sana'a, and overthrew the government, prompting a military intervention by Saudi Arabia to support the Yemeni government. This intervention led to years of civil war that resulted in a stalemate and ultimately a ceasefire in 2022.
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Military Development and New Threats
Following the collapse of the ceasefire in recent weeks, fighting has resumed on previous fronts, and Ansar Allah has quickly advanced towards the southern areas of the Tihama Strait, capturing the port city of Mocha and the Red Sea shores. These advances provide the capability to block maritime transport in the Red Sea and enable them to attack Aden.
Ansar Allah's strike capability, due to the increasing accuracy of their missiles and drones, now extends beyond Yemen. Their ballistic missiles have reached Israel and Saudi Arabia, targeting key infrastructure. Additionally, they have targeted ships in the Red Sea, disrupting maritime traffic.
Reports indicate that Ansar Allah is utilizing advanced military equipment and has engaged in domestic weapons production. However, they remain dependent on key technologies and advanced capabilities from Iran. Analysts believe that training received from Iran and Hezbollah has helped Ansar Allah transform from a militia group into a regular military force.
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