9 Shocking Revelations About the Houthis in Yemen

1. Who are the Houthis?

The Houthis are an armed political and religious group that champions Yemen's Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis. They declare themselves to be part of the Iranian-led 'axis of resistance' against Israel, the US, and the wider West.

2. When did the Houthi movement emerge?

The Houthi movement emerged in northern Yemen in the 1990s as a reaction to rising Saudi financial and religious influence.

3. What is the Houthi movement's stance on Iran?

The Houthis are widely accused of receiving backing from Iran, which has denied or downplayed these claims. The United States has presented physical evidence of Iranian arms transfers to the group.

4. What is the current situation with Houthi control in Yemen?

The Houthis control Sanaa and much of northwestern Yemen, including the Red Sea coastline. They run a de facto government that collects taxes and prints money.

5. What is the nature of the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia?

The conflict escalated in March 2015 when a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The war has seen numerous missile and drone attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and its ally, the UAE.

6. How have the Houthis impacted Yemen's population?

The ongoing conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Over 23 million people80% of Yemen's populationneed humanitarian aid and protection, according to the United Nations.

7. What role do other groups play in supporting the Houthis?

The Houthis have received military advice and support from the Lebanese Islamist group Hezbollah. They also have factories in Yemen to manufacture drones, which they use in attacks.

8. How have the Houthis expanded their influence beyond Yemen?

In recent years, the Houthis have fired missiles at Israel and attacked ships in the Red Sea. These actions are part of their solidarity with Palestinian groups and their aim to facilitate humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

9. What is the current status of peace talks involving the Houthis?

A UN-brokered truce has been in effect since April 2022, but the conflict remains unresolved. Saudi Arabia is trying to make a peace deal with the Houthis, but the situation remains tense.