Stimson Center – U.S. presidential elections were closely watched throughout the world, including in Yemen, a nation ravaged by a decade of conflict.

Yemen, the poorest country in the Arab world, is home to one of the Middle East’s most significant non-state actors: the Iran-backed Houthi group, controlling nearly half of Yemen’s population. Over the past year, the Houthis have increasingly disrupted vital global maritime routes, exacerbating tensions in the region.

In a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people, the group has pledged to retaliate against Israel until it ceases its military operations in Gaza, targeting and hijacking vessels the Houthis claim are linked to Israel. This aggressive stance has prompted the United States and the United Kingdom to conduct airstrikes on Houthi military positions inside Yemen. The U.S. has also taken the lead in an international military operation known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, shooting down drones that target ships as well as launching airstrikes to counter Houthi military capabilities. Meanwhile, the Houthis have also launched limited missile strikes on Israeli cities, prompting Israel to

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