U.N. experts say Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been transformed from a local armed group with limited capabilities to a powerful military organization with support from Iran, Iraqi armed groups, Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants and others.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, once a small, limited local group, have grown into a powerful military force, largely due to support from Iran and allied forces. This transformation has shifted them from a regional movement to an influential military player with enhanced weaponry and capabilities.

Despite cementing their power within the country, the Houthi militia is arresting an increasing number of local and international aid and human rights workers.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have transformed from a local armed group with limited capabilities into a powerful military organization supported by Iran, Iraqi armed groups, Lebanese Hezbollah militants, and others,