According to a report by Chosunbiz citing international news outlets, Yemen's Houthi forces have expanded control over key maritime areas, including Red Sea islands and the mainland port city of Mocha. The military escalation follows restricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict, placing alternative Red Sea export routes under pressure and temporarily driving global oil prices sharply higher.
The Houthi force, currently estimated at roughly 350,000 personnel, significantly upgraded its capabilities following assistance from Iran that began around 2015, when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force delivered missile and drone components alongside technical training. The group has deployed Iranian-designed surface-to-surface missiles, suicide drones, naval mines, and unmanned surface vessels, having previously launched attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel.
Reports cited by Chosunbiz state that an influx of commercial and dual-use components from China has enabled the Houthis to transition from importing finished weapons to assembling systems domestically in Yemen. A Bloomberg report noted that a cargo inspection finalized in July 2026 uncovered commercial items originating from China that could be repurposed for assembling drones and ballistic missiles.
Weapons analysts and United Nations reports cited in the coverage indicate that Chinese commercial entities have supplied dual-use materials useful for drone production. The group has reportedly maintained commercial channels through long-standing Yemeni merchant operations in Chinese cities as well as personnel trained to navigate the Chinese market, according to strategic consultancy Al-Basha Report.
Sources
- Chosunbiz · 2026-09-30
