Who are the Houthis?
The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, are a Zaidi Shia-led religious-political movement that emerged from Sa'dah in northern Yemen in the 1990s.
Houthi Movement Origins
Founded by Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, the movement initially fought against Yemeni government marginalization and sought greater autonomy for the Zaidi Shia community.
The Six Wars
From 2004 to 2010, the Houthis engaged in six wars against the Yemeni government, leading to a significant loss of life and displacement in the Sa'dah Governorate.
Houthis Gain Control
Capitalizing on the instability during the Arab Spring, the Houthis took control of Sana'a in 2014, eventually leading to the intervention of a Saudi-led coalition in 2015.
International Relations
The Houthis have been accused of receiving support from Iran, which has heightened tensions with Saudi Arabia and contributed to regional power struggles.
Impact on Yemen
The ongoing conflict has resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions of Yemenis facing starvation and lack of access to healthcare.
UN Efforts and Peace
Numerous attempts by the United Nations to broker peace have seen limited success, with ceasefires often short-lived due to deep-rooted distrust and strategic stalemates.
What is the Houthis' formal name?
Zaidi Shia Independence Movement
Ansar Allah
Northern Yemeni Rebels
Company
