The war between the Houthi rebels and the Arab coalition in Yemen has been a protracted and devastating conflict. On September 25th, the Houthi rebels carried out an attack by unmanned combat aerial vehicles targeting the Bahraini taskforce at the Southern territories of Saudi Arabia linking the Kingdom to Yemen. Two Bahraini servicemen were killed, and several others injured. Statement of condemnation by Bahrain’s allies poured in, as this is widely considered as the first official targeting of Bahrainis by the Houthis. The attack comes at a time when news about ongoing negotiations to end the war are going around, Saudi Arabia and Iran have restored diplomatic ties and the region is believed to be heading into a peaceful phase due to efforts to diffuse tensions.
The Houthi rebels’ targeting of Bahraini personnel aims at undermining the Arab coalition’s efforts to resolve the conflict, considering the ongoing negotiations between the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Therefore, these attacks cause significant concern for the coalition forces.
In recent years, the Houthi rebels have launched numerous attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE, targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas. While the precise number of casualties is difficult to ascertain, it is evident that these attacks have had a detrimental impact on the coalition’s operations. Saudi Arabia has experienced missile and drone attacks on its cities, airports, and oil facilities, causing damage and disruption. Similarly, the UAE has faced attacks on its airports and other strategic locations. These attacks have not only resulted in material damage but also posed a great threat to regional security and stability.
Iran provides extensive support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Islamic Republic is believed to have supplied weapons, including missiles and drones, to the rebels, enabling them to carry out attacks on the coalition forces inside Yemen and on Saudi Arabia and the UAE separately. Additionally, Iran has reportedly provided financial and logistical assistance, further strengthening the rebels’ capabilities. This support has significantly escalated the conflict and heightened tensions in the region. The Houthis are a Zaidi minority group from the far northwest of the country. In years prior to the Yemen war, the Houthis claimed only around 2,000-3,000 fighters. They would never have seized control of half of Yemen without massive Iranian support – funding, weapons and training. Iranian officials have been very open about this and have been continuosly boasting about their “achievements” in Yemen.
The involvement of Iran in Yemen and its support for the Houthis has further strained the already fragile relations with the Arab Gulf countries. The continuous attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE have deepened mistrust and made it challenging to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Arab Gulf countries perceive Iran’s actions as a threat to their security and stability, making prospects for peace increasingly difficult.
The Houthi rebels’ recent attack on Bahraini personnel, as well as their previous targeting of infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, results in severe consequences. The Islamic Republic’s history of regional instability and terrorism raises concerns about the long-term prospects for peace in the region.
Resolving the conflict in Yemen requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying issues and includes a commitment by the Islamic republic to end its support for the Houthi rebels, while respecting the territorial sovereignty of its neighbours.