Report: Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen setting up shop in Syria

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are in the news today due to a missile of theirs hitting central Israel, but numerous reports point to the Houthis working to hit Israel from other directions, as well.

The Alma Research and Education Center, which focuses on threats to Israel from countries to its north such as Lebanon and Syria, says that although the reports of a Houthi presence in southern Syria are unverified, they are numerous enough to suggest the presence is substantial.

According to their report, Houthis have been entering Syria via Iraq and even Jordan for many months now, often disguised as students or religious pilgrims.

The number of Houthi forces in Syria is roughly assessed at thousands of fighters, some of whom may be trained in UAV and ballistic missile fighting.

The Houthis also have a permanent military attache in Syria named Sharaf al-Mawri, who is in regular contact with Syrian security officials.

Given the repeated threats from Houthis against Israel, it is quite likely that the group seeks to launch further attacks against Israel beyond the occasional drone or missile from Yemen as it does now, and if a broader war with Hezbollah erupts, Syria may become a major battleground - with the Houthis on the front line.