How the Houthi movement continues to challenge powerful foes

[MIDDLE EAST] The ongoing conflict in Yemen has caught the attention of world leaders for many years. One of the most significant developments in this complex situation was the U.S. airstrike campaign initiated during the Trump administration, aimed at a group in Yemen that has managed to survive despite facing powerful adversaries over time. This group, known as the Houthis, has proven remarkably resilient against both local and international military forces.

As tensions in Yemen escalate, the conflict has garnered renewed focus, not just for its humanitarian implications but also for the strategic stakes it holds in the broader Middle East. In this article, we explore the complexities of the Yemen conflict, the role of the Houthis, and how former President Donald Trump’s policies shaped the U.S. approach to combating a group that has outlasted some of the world’s most formidable foes.

Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, when the Houthi rebels, a group of Zaidi Shia Muslims from northern Yemen, took control of the capital, Sana’a. This move sparked a power struggle between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who was forced to flee to Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis’ rise to power was further complicated by the involvement of external actors. Saudi Arabia, concerned about the Houthis' ties to Iran, launched a military intervention in 2015, hoping to restore Hadi to power. This intervention was supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a coalition of other nations, with significant airstrikes targeting Houthi strongholds.

Despite heavy bombardment, the Houthis managed to maintain control of significant parts of Yemen, especially in the north. The group’s resilience can be attributed to several factors, including their deep-rooted support in northern Yemen, effective guerrilla tactics, and the logistical and military support they received from Iran. Over the years, the Houthis have endured numerous military offensives, including one of the largest coalitions in the modern Middle Eastern conflict.

Trump’s Foreign Policy and Its Impact on Yemen

Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. took a more aggressive stance toward the Houthis. Trump’s administration, which often advocated for more direct action against perceived threats in the Middle East, moved away from the Obama administration's cautious approach, which emphasized diplomacy and negotiations.

The Trump administration's policies in Yemen were marked by a willingness to provide more support to Saudi Arabia and its allies in their fight against the Houthis. This included intelligence sharing, logistical support, and in some cases, direct military action against Houthi positions. Trump's support for Saudi Arabia was part of his broader strategy to strengthen ties with Gulf nations and counter the influence of Iran in the region.

The Trump administration’s stance was not without controversy. Critics argued that U.S. involvement in Yemen's civil war was contributing to the humanitarian disaster that has plagued the country. The conflict has led to tens of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced people. However, the Trump administration's support for Saudi Arabia was framed within the context of broader geopolitical interests, especially with regard to countering Iran's growing influence in the region.

The Houthis: A Group That Survived Powerful Foes

Despite facing the might of the Saudi-led coalition and airstrikes from the U.S. and its allies, the Houthis have displayed remarkable resilience. They have maintained control over much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sana’a, and have expanded their influence in the region, even launching missile attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia.

One of the key reasons for the Houthis’ survival is their organizational structure. The Houthis have managed to establish a network of loyal fighters and supporters across Yemen. Their leadership is closely tied to the Zaidi Shia community, which has long felt marginalized by the central government. This local support base has proven to be an essential factor in their endurance.

Additionally, the Houthis have been able to adapt and innovate in the face of military pressure. They have employed asymmetric warfare tactics, using missiles, drones, and other unconventional weapons to counter the technologically superior forces of the Saudi-led coalition. These tactics have allowed them to continue to challenge larger, more powerful adversaries.

Another factor contributing to the Houthis’ survival is the lack of unified opposition among the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition's members, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, often had differing priorities, which made it difficult for them to mount a coherent strategy against the Houthis. Meanwhile, the Houthis capitalized on this disunity and maintained a strong defense.

Furthermore, the Houthis received significant logistical and military support from Iran, which has further strengthened their position. Iran has provided the Houthis with weapons, training, and intelligence, enhancing their capability to resist the Saudi-led coalition’s offensive.

Trump’s Strategic Approach to the Houthis

Trump’s policies toward the Houthis were shaped by his broader worldview, which often emphasized a tough, no-nonsense approach to foreign policy. His administration was particularly focused on curbing Iran’s influence in the Middle East, which led to more direct confrontations with the Houthis, who were supported by Tehran.

In 2019, the Trump administration designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization, a move that further escalated tensions between the U.S. and the group. This designation had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy, as it led to increased sanctions and diplomatic isolation for the Houthis. It also complicated efforts to negotiate a peace settlement, as the U.S. took a harder line against the rebels.

However, the Trump administration’s approach also had its critics. Human rights organizations and members of Congress raised concerns that the U.S. policy was exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The U.S. support for Saudi Arabia and the UAE was seen by many as tacit approval of the coalition's bombing campaign, which resulted in civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

Despite these concerns, Trump remained steadfast in his support for Saudi Arabia, citing the kingdom’s strategic importance in countering Iran. In a 2019 statement, Trump emphasized the need to maintain a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia, stating, “We have to keep that alliance. We have to keep that partnership.” This was a clear indication of the administration’s commitment to backing the Saudi-led coalition, even at the cost of increased tensions with Iran-backed groups like the Houthis.

The Future of the Houthi Movement

As of 2025, the Houthis remain a powerful force in Yemen, with no clear end to the conflict in sight. Despite the challenges they have faced, they have managed to outlast many of their powerful adversaries, including the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. The group’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and its strong local support base have allowed it to continue its struggle against the internationally backed government.

However, the situation in Yemen remains fluid, and the future of the Houthis is uncertain. While they continue to control significant territory in the north, they also face internal divisions and external pressure. The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire, with millions of people in need of assistance. The Houthis’ survival may depend on how well they can navigate these challenges and whether they can secure lasting support from their allies, including Iran.

The future of Yemen, and the Houthis' role in it, will depend on a number of factors, including the actions of the new U.S. administration, the ongoing influence of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the Houthis are a force that cannot be easily dismissed, and their endurance in the face of powerful foes is a testament to their resilience and determination.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen highlights the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where local dynamics intersect with global powers. Under President Trump, the U.S. took a more direct approach in confronting the Houthis, but the group has proven remarkably resilient, continuing to resist the might of the Saudi-led coalition and its allies. The Houthis’ ability to outlast powerful foes, including the U.S., underscores their tenacity and the difficulty of resolving the Yemeni conflict.

As the situation in Yemen remains unresolved, the Houthis continue to be a significant player in the region. The future of Yemen will depend on a variety of factors, including international pressure, local support, and the evolving strategic interests of global powers. What is clear, however, is that the Houthis are not easily defeated, and their presence in the region will continue to shape the Middle East for years to come.