Inside Yemen’s Houthi Military: Missiles, Drones, and Control of Key Shipping Routes

Over the past decade, Yemen’s Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, has transformed from a regional insurgent group into a major military force in the Middle East. Its growing missile and drone capabilities, combined with its position near some of the world’s most important shipping routes, have raised serious concerns among international security analysts.

But how powerful are the Houthis, and what makes their military capabilities significant?

A Large and Diverse Fighting Force

The Houthi movement draws its strength from a combination of ideologically committed supporters, tribal fighters, and military personnel absorbed into its ranks during Yemen’s prolonged conflict.

Some regional assessments have placed the group’s total manpower at approximately 350,000. However, this figure should be treated cautiously, as independent verification is difficult and estimates may include different categories of personnel, not just active combat troops.

Beyond manpower, the group’s military capabilities depend heavily on its missile systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ability to operate across Yemen’s challenging terrain.

Missiles and Drones Extend Its Reach

The Houthis have developed an arsenal that includes ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and attack drones. Their capabilities have been shaped by local engineering, the adaptation of existing weapons, and reported external technical assistance.

Among the systems associated with the group are the Burkan missile family, which has been used in long-range attacks. Some variants have been reported to reach targets hundreds of kilometers away, extending the potential threat beyond Yemen’s borders.

The group has also used anti-ship missiles and drones in attacks affecting maritime traffic around the Red Sea. These weapons can pose significant challenges to commercial vessels and naval forces, particularly when launched in combination.

However, specific claims about missile ranges, warhead sizes, and the number of weapons available vary across reports and are not always independently verified.

Why the Red Sea Matters

One of the Houthis’ most significant strategic advantages is Yemen’s location near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow maritime passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The waterway is an important route for international trade, including shipments traveling between Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal. Threats to commercial shipping can force vessels to take longer routes, increase transportation costs, and disrupt supply chains.

The Houthis have demonstrated their ability to threaten maritime traffic using missiles, drones, and other weapons. Their operations have consequently attracted international military attention and increased concerns about freedom of navigation.

A Continuing Security Challenge

The Houthi movement’s military strength cannot be measured by troop numbers or weapon inventories alone. Its ability to launch attacks, adapt to military pressure, and operate near strategic maritime routes also plays a major role.

For regional governments and international defense planners, the challenge is to protect commercial shipping and critical infrastructure while preventing further escalation across the Middle East.

As Yemen’s conflict continues to affect regional security, the Houthis remain an important factor in the wider strategic landscape—particularly around the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.