I. Leadership Dynamics

At the helm of the Houthi movement stands a charismatic leader, Abdalmalik al-Huthi, known for his pragmatic and assertive style. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, Abdalmalik has effectively consolidated his authority over the military command structure. In a strategic maneuver, he has sidelined older Houthi leaders in favor of a younger generation of "field commanders" who share his experiences and religious background. This group includes notable figures like Abdullah Yahya al-Hakim (Abu Ali), Yusuf al-Madani, Taha al-Madani, and Abdullah Eida al-Razzami.

Abdalmalik's leadership has forged a cohesive command group, uniting individuals with similar religious backgrounds. This unity has been shaped by shared experiences in the Believing Youth movement and the armed conflict. However, the leadership structure extends beyond the youth, encompassing influential older advisors like Ahmed Mohammed Yahya Hamid, Ahsan al-Humran, and Abdalkarim Amir al-Din, who contribute significantly to various facets of Houthi leadership.

II. The Terrorist Jihad Council

The Houthi Terrorist Jihad Council represents the apex of command authority within the movement, gaining prominence after the demise of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh in December 2017. This council, comprising approximately nine members, serves as the central hub for intelligence and counter-intelligence functions. Within this council, the IRGC-QF (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force) "Jihad Assistant" and the Lebanese Hezbollah deputy wield considerable influence, offering strategic counsel and guidance.

III. Organizational Mysteries

While Houthi commando operations bear resemblances to Hezbollah tactics, the organization and deployment of ground "special forces" remain shrouded in mystery. These elite light infantry units undergo rigorous training programs that bolster their capabilities in light infantry combat and ideological fervor. The precise nature of this training and their operational roles within the broader Houthi military structure remain subjects of intrigue.

IV. External Influences

Iran and its proxy, Lebanese Hezbollah, have exerted a substantial influence on the Houthi movement, particularly in the realm of military and security affairs. The Houthi movement's alignment with Iran's "Axis of Resistance" has left an indelible imprint on their military strategy and capabilities. Lebanese Hezbollah, especially its deputy Jihad Assistant known as Abu Zainab, played a pivotal role in practical training and equipping tasks in Yemen.

V. Evolution and Centralization

Over time, the Houthi movement has undergone significant changes, transitioning from decentralized, non-cohesive structures to centralized command and control. Abdalmalik al-Huthi's leadership has grown more potent, aided by a decade of security guidance from Iran and Hezbollah. This centralization has endowed the movement with greater coercive power, transforming it into a more unified entity capable of pursuing multi-front warfare.

VI. The Yemen Conflict and Regional Implications

The evolution of the Houthi movement, along with its alignment with Iran's "Axis of Resistance," holds profound implications for the Yemen conflict and the broader region. The movement's rapid ascent from a local insurgent group to a state-level actor has positioned it as a pivotal player in Yemen's enduring conflict. Its territorial control, spanning critical areas like the capital Sana'a and the port city of Hodeida, has solidified its influence within Yemen's political and military landscape.

The Houthi movement's military capabilities, notably its missile and drone technology, have raised concerns among regional actors. Remarkably, despite Yemen's geographical remoteness from Israel, the Houthi's possession of significant missile and drone capabilities enabled them to launch attacks on Israel in October 2023 and after that. These attacks underscore Iran's influence and agenda in Yemen while revealing the Houthis' anti-Semitic ideology and alignment with Iran's anti-Israel stance. Furthermore, these attacks are intended to sow insecurity among Arab governments that have normalized relations with Israel, thereby complicating peace endeavors across the broader Middle East.

The Houthis' role has added to the conflict's regional risks, threatening sea lanes through which much of the world's oil is shipped, and worrying states on the Red Sea.

Conclusion

The Houthi movement's military structure, a multifaceted web of leadership dynamics, organizational mysteries, and external influences, has undergone remarkable transformation. Led by Abdalmalik al-Huthi, this movement has transitioned from a mere insurgent group to a formidable state-level actor in Yemen's enduring conflict. While centralization has amplified its military prowess, the specifics of its special forces and external connections remain cloaked in secrecy. As the Houthi movement continues to shape the Yemeni conflict, comprehending its military framework becomes indispensable for regional stability and security.

As regional and international stakeholders grapple with the complexities of the Yemen conflict, a nuanced understanding of the Houthi movement's military capabilities and strategic objectives is paramount for the pursuit of any form of peace and stability in Yemen and the broader Middle East.

With an expanded examination of the Houthi movement's military structure, we gain a more comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities involved in addressing the Yemen conflict. The evolving dynamics in Yemen warrant ongoing analysis and diplomatic efforts to navigate this complex and volatile landscape. It is through such concerted efforts that the path to a more peaceful and stable Yemen and a more secure Middle East can be forged.