Iranian advisers played key role in lightning advance by Yemen’s Houthis, sources say

Houthi rebels seized Yemen's Red Sea coast from pro-government forces in under 48 hours, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisers directly involved in planning and field operations, sources told AP. The offensive exploited divisions among government-allied forces and included penetration of internal communications. The advance threatens Saudi oil exports via Red Sea shipping lanes.

Houthi rebels seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast from pro-government forces in less than 48 hours, a lightning advance that sources say was directly supported by Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisers in the field. The offensive, which began in early August and culminated on September 10 with the capture of the key port city of Mokha, exploited deep divisions among forces allied with Yemen's Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government. The Houthis penetrated the internal communications of one of the main government-allied forces, the National Resistance, allowing them to track its movements and sow confusion. The leader of the National Resistance fled to Saudi Arabia as pro-government forces retreated. The AP spoke to 10 officials and soldiers, including a senior Houthi official, two regional officials, a top Yemeni military commander and a member of Yemen's ruling presidential council. A senior Houthi official said Iranian advisers, who had previously focused on strategic planning, were "present at all levels" in the latest escalation, including planning tactical maneuvers and working with front-line commanders. The advance strengthens the Houthis' ability to choke off Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea, pushing up global fuel prices and giving Iran greater leverage. The United States has appeared reluctant to intervene on behalf of Saudi Arabia.