RSmith

Yemen’s Houthi movement has officially declared its "fingers are on the trigger," signaling a shift from its recent period of relative restraint to active involvement in the war against the United States and Israel. In a televised address on March 27, 2026, military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that the group is prepared for "direct military intervention" if the Red Sea is used for "hostile operations" against Iran or if new international alliances join the coalition targeting Tehran. This development comes as the U.S.-Israeli campaign, known as Operation Epic Fury, enters its second month after significantly degrading Iran's missile stockpiles and air defense systems. While the Houthis had largely focused on domestic matters since the late 2025 Gaza ceasefire, the threat of renewed attacks on global shipping at the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint now risks a catastrophic double-blockage alongside the already closed Strait of Hormuz, potentially causing an unprecedented global energy crisis.