Houthis Escalate Attacks Amid Middle East Turmoil

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have intensified their aggressive actions, including missile and drone strikes against Israel and commercial shipping, amid the complex Middle Eastern conflicts. They aim to pressure Israel and the West over the Gaza war while leveraging Yemenis' solidarity with Palestinians to bolster their support and military capabilities.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have significantly ramped up their military activities, targeting Israel and commercial shipping in the Red Sea corridor. Their actions include a ballistic missile strike on Israel and a drone attack on a U.S. military drone.

The Houthis' campaign, which began after the eruption of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, aims to pressure Israel and the West. Their recent attacks have drawn global attention, highlighting their increasing importance in Middle Eastern conflicts. Observers suggest the Houthis are leveraging Yemenis' solidarity with Palestinians to expand their ranks and gain more advanced weaponry.

Despite their limited resources due to Yemen's civil war, the Houthis' aggressive tactics have provoked responses from an international coalition, including retaliatory strikes by Israel, the U.S., and the UK. The rebels appear undeterred, potentially planning further attacks around the Cape of Good Hope and the Mediterranean Sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)