- By Aditya Jha
- Sat, 28 Mar 2026 06:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Iran War 2026: In a major development in the Iran war, Yemen's Houthi rebels launched its first attack on Israel since the beginning of the conflict on February 28. Israel confirmed that one missile from Yemen was detected and intercepted, further confirming no casualties. While the Houthi is considered a close ally of Iran in the Middle East, it maintained a distance from the war. However, on multiple occasions, the group asserted that it would join the conflict if Tehran continued to be attacked.
While confirming the attack, Brigadier-General Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the rebels, asserted that they will continue the action until the objectives are achieved. "Will continue until the declared objectives are achieved, as stated in the previous statement by the armed forces, and until the aggression against all fronts of the resistance ceases," Saree stated.
The latest development is likely to escalate the crisis after US President Donald Trump asserted that talks to restore peace in the region have been ongoing with Tehran. Houthis have a strong hold on the Red Sea, and the ship movement through this region has increased following the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Who Are Houthi Rebels?
- It is a political and religious movement led by the Houthi family and dominates the northern region of Yemen.
- The group expanded its powers around 2011 and developed closer ties with Iran after the 2011 "Arab Spring" protests.
- The Houthi strengthened its military power in the next two years and captured the capital of Yemen in 2014, showcasing its rise in the power corridors of the country
- Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab nations, tried to dislodge the group in 2015
- The Houthi, in its retaliation, attacked oil installations and vital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
- Earlier in 2022, the UN brokered a truce between the two parties, leading to a temporary peace in the region