Who are the Houthi Rebels in Yemen?
Origins and Beliefs
The Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, emerged in the 1990s in northern Yemen as a response to perceived marginalization by the central government.
Led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the group seeks to maintain tribal autonomy and promote the Zaydi branch of Shia Islam, which is prevalent in northern Yemen.
Rise to Power and Conflict
The Houthis gained prominence in 2004 after al-Houthi's critical sermons led to his arrest by then-president Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Subsequent conflicts with the government and military led to the Houthi takeover of parts of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sana'a, in 2014.
International Involvement
The Houthi conflict has become internationalized, with the Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government against the Houthis.
The United States and the United Kingdom have also conducted military strikes against Houthi groups in Yemen.
Recent Developments
In 2023, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a suspected drone attack in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the ongoing conflict and their regional reach.
Key Points
- The Houthi movement emerged in northern Yemen in the 1990s as an effort to maintain tribal autonomy and protest Western influence.
- The movement is led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi and seeks to promote the Zaydi branch of Shia Islam.
- The Houthis gained control of northern Yemen, including Sana'a, in 2014.
- The conflict has internationalized, with Saudi Arabia and Iran providing support to opposing sides.
- The Houthis have claimed responsibility for a suspected drone attack in Abu Dhabi in 2023.
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