# Explainer: How Yemen’s Houthis went from a small mountain militia to a major regional threat

https://mins.news/en/item/62330

- Reuters, 2026-09-17 09:10 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-yemens-houthis-went-small-mountain-militia-big-regional-threat-2026-09-17/?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=6aabae6b89e5cf0001dfa2fd

> A rapid Houthi advance in Yemen has put the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait under the group’s control. The once ragged highland militia has consequently emerged as a regional force with global influence.

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