In a recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, reports indicate that Iran has been actively enticing Yemeni individuals to join the Houthi rebels, offering a monthly payment of $100 (£80) as part of their recruitment campaign.
The conflict, which is primarily against Israel and impacts commercial shipping in the Red Sea, has seen a surge in new fighters, especially from opposition-held territories.
Yemen, grappling with widespread poverty, has become a fertile ground for recruitment, with over 80 percent of the population living below the poverty line.
Sources now estimate that Iran supports more than 100,000 militiamen in the region, exacerbating the ongoing conflicts.
Notably, the financial incentive provided to Houthi fighters is significantly lower than the monthly salary received by members of Hezbollah’s military wing in Lebanon, raising questions about the motivations behind Iran’s varying levels of financial support for different proxy groups.
France has responded to the situation by announcing that its navy will start escorting ships with French interests through the Red Sea. However, it clarified that direct involvement in striking the Houthi rebels is not part of their mission.
In a contrasting move, the United States and the United Kingdom took decisive action following a significant attack by Houthi rebels on international commercial vessels and warships in the Red Sea.
The attack involved 18 one-way attack drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile. In response, the US and UK launched waves of missiles at the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking a departure from their previous approach of withholding strikes.
The Houthi rebels have vowed to retaliate, claiming casualties among their forces. The international community is closely monitoring the developments in the region as tensions remain high.
