UAE foreign minister voices full support for Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are a group of fighters from northern Yemen who have been engaged in a rebellion against the Yemeni government since around 2004. In 2014, they took control of the capital, Sana'a, and have since been fighting against government forces, gradually expanding their territory. Currently, they control about one-third of Yemen's land, primarily in the northwest and around the Red Sea coast.

The group is predominantly Shia Muslim, but distinct from Iran and the country's predominantly Sunni Muslim population. While the Houthis and Iran are both Shia Muslims, they are not the same entity; the Houthis are more accurately described as an informal partner of Iran.

Tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia have been ongoing, with the Houthi militia posing a significant threat to the kingdom's critical waterways. The Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, controlled by the Houthis, are crucial for the transport of energy supplies. The United States and other nations have expressed concern over potential disruptions to these vital shipping lanes.

In response to recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport, the Houthis have demonstrated their capability to restrict shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This development has had a ripple effect on global trade, as ships are forced to circumvent the region, leading to increased shipping costs and delays. The situation has further strained relations between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with the Mecca Pact entering the picture as a potential avenue for resolution.