The latest attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea have once again drawn international attention to the group’s growing military capabilities. Reports of missile and drone strikes on commercial vessels have heightened concerns over maritime security in one of the world's most important trade corridors, where billions of dollars worth of goods pass every year.

According to reports, the Houthis recently claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, identified as Encelia and Layla, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi authorities confirmed that Encelia sustained damage and caught fire after being struck. The incidents have forced several shipping companies to reconsider routes through the Red Sea, increasing concerns about global energy supplies and trade flows.

The attacks come at a time when tensions are already affecting navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, creating fears that two of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints could face simultaneous disruptions.

Red Sea Under Pressure

Stretching between northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea serves as a major gateway connecting Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Thousands of vessels carrying crude oil, liquefied natural gas and manufactured goods transit through the region annually.

The Houthis control large parts of Yemen’s western coastline overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, giving them a strategic position from which they can target commercial and military vessels.

Following the latest attacks, maritime tracking data showed that several oil tankers altered their routes to avoid the increasingly contested waterway. Some vessels carrying Saudi crude reportedly reversed course instead of continuing toward the strait.

Security analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could increase shipping costs, delay cargo deliveries and affect global energy markets.

Missiles Form Core Capability

Military experts describe the Houthis as the first non-state armed group to operationally deploy anti-ship ballistic missiles during active conflicts.

Among the most significant weapons in their inventory are the Asef and Tankil missiles, which are believed to have ranges of up to 500 kilometres. These systems reportedly draw heavily from Iranian missile technology and can strike targets across large portions of the Red Sea.

The group also operates shorter-range systems such as the Faleq, Mayun and Bahr al-Ahmar missiles. While these missiles have lower ranges, they remain effective against vessels travelling close to Yemen’s coastline.

Unlike conventional cruise missiles, ballistic missiles travel high into the atmosphere before descending toward their targets at extreme speeds, making interception difficult and forcing naval forces to use expensive defensive systems.

Growing Drone Fleet

Drones have become one of the Houthis’ most important military assets. Over the past decade, the group has developed a diverse inventory of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of reconnaissance and long-range strike missions.

Among the most notable are the Wa’id-1 and Wa’id-2 drones, believed to be local versions of Iran’s Shahed-series loitering munitions. These drones reportedly have operational ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometres.

The movement also fields the Sammad family of drones, which have been used in attacks against regional targets. Another important platform is the Qasef series, designed for shorter-range operations and precision strikes.

Experts say drones allow the Houthis to launch relatively low-cost attacks while forcing opponents to spend significantly more on interception and air defence.

Explosive Boats and Mines

Beyond missiles and drones, the Houthis have developed unmanned explosive boats designed to attack ships at sea level.

The Tofan series of drone boats can reportedly carry hundreds of kilograms of explosives and travel at high speeds toward target vessels. These systems are intended to strike vulnerable sections of ships, including engine compartments and waterline areas.

The group is also believed to possess naval mines capable of damaging or sinking vessels. Some mines detonate upon contact, while others activate through acoustic or magnetic signatures generated by passing ships.

Security agencies consider these systems particularly dangerous because they can remain hidden and threaten commercial traffic long after deployment.

Surveillance Network Supports Operations

Accurate targeting requires continuous tracking of maritime traffic. To support its operations, the Houthis have reportedly developed an extensive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance network.

This system uses commercial shipping data, coastal radar installations, observation posts and reconnaissance drones to monitor vessel movements across the Red Sea.

Analysts believe these capabilities allow the group to identify potential targets and update strike plans in near real time.

Iran Links and Local Production

According to military assessments, the Houthis maintain their arsenal through a combination of external support and domestic manufacturing.

Experts say Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force provides technical assistance, components and specialised equipment. Rather than shipping complete missile systems, modular parts are believed to be transported and later assembled inside Yemen.

Over the years, the Houthis have also developed underground production facilities in areas under their control. These sites reportedly assemble missiles and drones while modifying imported designs to suit local manufacturing capabilities.

The result is a military force that has evolved far beyond a traditional insurgent movement. With advanced missiles, drones, explosive boats and surveillance systems, the Houthis now possess capabilities that rival those of some state militaries, making them a growing challenge for regional security and global shipping.