Who are Yemen's Houthis?
DUBAI — Within a matter of days, Yemen's Houthis have swept south and seized the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, cementing their rise as a force to be reckoned with in the constellation of Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East. Once considered a relatively isolated religious and military movement, the Houthis now hold all of Yemen's Red Sea coast, as well as significant territory in the…
Within days, Yemen's Houthis surged south, seizing the crucial Bab al-Mandab Strait, solidifying their status as a formidable force among Iran-backed groups in the Middle East. Once a relatively obscure religious and military entity, the Houthis now control Yemen's Red Sea coast and substantial northern territory, including the capital Sanaa.
The Houthis are members of the Zaidi community, a Shia Islam offshoot, a minority within Yemen's predominantly Sunni population. Their rise began in the 1990s due to perceived sectarian discrimination against the Zaidis, predominantly residing in the impoverished northern regions.
Known also as Ansar Allah (Supporters of God), the Houthi movement derives its name from their late spiritual leader, Badreddin al-Houthi, and his son Hussein, who was assassinated by Yemeni government forces in 2004. Hussein's brother, Abdulmalik, assumed leadership, delivering impassioned speeches and reshaping the group from a secluded faction in the northwest.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Who are Yemen's Houthis? koreatimes.co.kr
