Iran

On January 18, 2020, ballistic missiles struck a mosque at the al-Estiqbal military camp in Marib, killing at least 116 people in what was reportedly one of the deadliest attacks in Yemen’s civil war. Although there was no immediate claim by the Houthi rebels, Yemen’s government condemned the Iran-backed extremist group for the attack. Two days later, government forces engaged Houthi rebels east of Marib and killed senior Houthi commander Jaber Al Muwaed. Attempts at any conflict resolution have made little progress since the Houthis began invading the country in 2014. Iran has historically supported the Houthi rebels with funding, training, and weapons, with some Yemeni officials believing Iran’s support has been ongoing since the Houthi uprising in 2004.

The Iranian-sponsored Lebanese terror group Hezbollah has grown militarily and politically despite U.N. resolutions and international agreements demanding its disarmament. In coming parliamentary elections May 6, Hezbollah will attempt to further increase its political power. CEP's new resource, Hezbollah's Influence in Lebanon, traces the group's history from its guerrilla origins into an organization that has permeated Lebanese society and threatened regional and international security.  

CEP released updated resources on three of Iraq's most powerful Shiite militias, part of a government sanctioned umbrella group that is heavily funded by and beholden to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Several of the groups have fought extensively on Iran's behalf in Syria.