Cooperation between the Shi’ite militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen

The cooperation between the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen has intensified in recent weeks, as reflected in announcements of joint UAV and cruise missile attacks on Israel “in support of the Palestinians” and in response to Israel’s [alleged] “massacres” in the Strip Gaza.

Between June 6, 2024 and August 4, 2024, the Iraqi militias and the Houthis announced 12 joint attacks on Israel, most of them involving UAVs and some involving cruise missiles. The attacks purportedly targeted Haifa, Ashdod and Eilat, all port cities, and ships in the Mediterranean Sea. Apart from one incident in which the IDF confirmed the interception of a UAV, there has been no practical verification of the other claims of responsibility.

The increasing cooperation between the Shi’ite militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen is part of the concept of the “unity of the arenas” against Israel promoted by the Iranian regime, especially since the beginning of the war in the Gaza Strip. However, it also reflects the interests of the Iraqi militias and the Houthis, who seek to establish themselves as influential regional and international factors.