Iranian Advisers Helped Houthi Rebels Seize Red Sea Coast

Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisers provided direct on-the-ground support to Yemen's Houthi rebels during their rapid seizure of the Red Sea coast, according to sources cited by the Associated Press, marking Tehran's most direct intervention in the conflict and delivering a major blow to U.S. and Saudi interests. The Houthis captured 115 kilometers of coastline in under 48 hours, exploiting divisions among pro-government forces and penetrating their communications. The offensive included 130 ballistic missiles and 145 suicide drones, forcing the National Resistance leader to flee to Saudi Arabia and prompting tens of thousands of residents to evacuate Mokha. Iran had escalated training and logistical support over the past year, with advisers present at all levels of the offensive. The rebels' territorial gains threaten Saudi oil shipments through the Red Sea, while U.S. forces have shown reluctance to intervene despite the strategic setback for Washington's regional allies.