Houthi

The Houthis are a Zaidi Shia rebel group based in Yemen, primarily active in the northern and western regions of the country. The movement was founded by Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, a religious scholar and social activist, in the early 2000s. The Houthis gained prominence during the 2011 Yemeni uprising, which followed the Arab Spring, and have since been involved in a protracted armed conflict with the Yemeni government.

The Houthis' ideology is rooted in Zaidi Shia Islam, which is a minority branch of Shia Islam. They advocate for political and social reforms, including greater representation for the Zaidi Shia community in Yemen's political system. The group is known for its military prowess and has been accused of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and the use of child soldiers.

The Houthis captured the capital, Sana'a, in 2014, leading to the resignation of then-President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. They subsequently established the Supreme Political Council, an interim government, and held presidential elections in 2012, which they boycotted. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with widespread suffering due to lack of access to basic services, food insecurity, and the spread of disease.

The Houthis have received support from Iran, which has provided military aid and training. The group has also received backing from other Shia militias and political factions in the region. The conflict in Yemen has drawn international attention and has been the subject of numerous United Nations resolutions calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian access.

The Houthis' future role in Yemen's political landscape remains uncertain, with ongoing negotiations and power struggles within the country. The group continues to be a significant player in Yemen's complex political and military dynamics.