What is behind the Houthis' announcement of implementing a joint operation with Iraqi factions? What are the implications of this for peace in Yemen and the region?

In a recent announcement, the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, claimed to have executed joint operations with Iraqi factions known as the "Iraqi Islamic Resistance." The targets of these operations, as stated by the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, were drones attacking the "Haifa Port" in Israel.

Saree alleged that the first operation targeted two ships carrying military equipment in the Haifa Port, while the second operation focused on a ship that violated the ban on entering the occupied Palestinian port of Haifa. The Houthi leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, regarded these joint operations as an exemplification of cooperation among Muslim populations, anticipating a significant impact on their enemies, specifically the American, British, and Israeli forces.

Propaganda and stupidity

Brigadier General Abdul Rahman Al-Rubaie, a military analyst and expert, has strongly criticized the recent Houthi group's claim of executing a joint operation with Iraqi factions against Israel. Al-Rubaie labeled the announcement as "pure slander and propaganda nonsense" and even went as far as describing it as stupidity comparable to the art of lying.

In an interview with "Barran Press," Al-Rubaie explained that both theoretically and practically, the notion of a coordinated operation between the Houthis and Iraqi factions is impossible. He emphasized that if any joint action were to occur, each group would operate independently, making decisions based on their timing, goals, and available resources.

Al-Rubaie pointed out that the Houthi claim was solely made by the group itself and was not verified by any Iraqi faction. He dismissed it as a form of propaganda intended to attract attention. He stressed that no credible media sources have reported such a joint strike involving the Houthis and Iraqi Shiites, further supporting the notion that it is a mere propaganda ploy.

According to Al-Rubaie, the Houthi group and Iranian forces in the region do work together in coordination. He argued that Iran aims to demonstrate to these groups that they possess similar military capabilities, with Israel being under threat from various sides.

Regarding the peace process in Yemen, Al-Rubaie expressed his belief that there is currently no genuine peace process underway. He described the ongoing efforts as mere visions and ideas for a draft roadmap towards peace. He attributed the lack of progress to the Houthis' refusal to sign the proposed roadmap and their continuous imposition of conditions, which have hindered any advancement on the path to peace.

Al-Rubaie concluded that the Houthi claim of coordinated strikes with Iranian-backed factions in Iraq, regardless of its authenticity, does not align with the envisioned roadmap for peace in Yemen. He emphasized that the Houthis aim to use this announcement to assert that they are not the sole forces confronting Israel, the United States, and Britain, but rather that pro-Iranian factions across four Arab countries are united and engaged in joint military action.

The military analyst reiterated that this claim has no connection to the political process in Yemen. He highlighted the current stage of events and measures taken by the legitimate government in the economic aspect that have severely weakened the Houthis. Furthermore, he noted a significant shift in the international position, favoring legitimacy and opposing the Houthi group, leading to the peace roadmap being effectively rendered lifeless.

Encircling the Gulf: Loyalty to Iran and the Negative Impact on Peace

Abdul Samad Al-Faqih, the head of the Washington Center for Studies, has commented on the formation of a joint operations room that includes the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen. According to Al-Faqih, this development signifies the groups' loyalty to Iran and their alignment with an Iranian perspective, rather than operating independently.

While these groups often attempt to portray themselves as independent entities, their coordination demonstrates their allegiance to Iran. Al-Faqih identified Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, the Assad Alawite group in Syria, and the Houthis in Yemen as Iran's most powerful forces in the region. He noted that these groups have armed entities and militias and considered their coordination as proof of complete loyalty to Iran.

Al-Faqih emphasized that the goal behind this coordination extends beyond Gaza, which serves as a mere cover or pretext. He stated that the main objective is to encircle the Gulf, with the Popular Mobilization Forces situated in the north and the Houthis in the south. Additionally, he suggested that there are other future goals, regardless of whether the conflict in Gaza continues or ceases.

Regarding the implications of this coordination, Al-Faqih highlighted its negative impact on the prospects for peace. He argued that achieving peace with the Houthis is not a simple matter and cannot be accomplished through mere meetings and signatures. Instead, he emphasized the need for pressure, whether military, political, or economic, to compel these groups to adhere to agreements or the commitments they have signed.

Al-Faqih further stated that such coordination would hinder the possibility of peace and pointed out the historical difficulties of implementing agreements with groups like the Houthis. He noted that decades of agreements have not been effectively enacted.

According to Al-Faqih, the existence of this coordination has severe consequences for the region as a whole. It drags the region into violence and perpetuates wars, particularly in countries where these militias are present. Al-Faqih attributed this to the inherently violent nature of these groups, their rejection of others, and their absolute refusal to accept alternative viewpoints.

Al-Faqih also criticized the groups' focus on Gaza, asserting that their actions are primarily aimed at gaining further control over the territories they occupy. He argued that Gaza serves as an excuse to mask their movements, improve their public image, and divert attention from internal crises. Al-Faqih claimed that these groups neglect their responsibilities in terms of providing services, initiating construction projects, and meeting the needs of the areas under their control.

In conclusion, Al-Faqih emphasized that these groups cannot be advocates for humanitarian and human rights issues because their actions often involve more severe violations than those they claim to defend.