The Houthis are an islamist political movement who control the Yemeni capital Sana’a and large parts of western Yemen. Originally a minor provincial opposition force to the Yemeni government of Ali Abdullah Saleh, their strength and influence has increased dramatically over the last decade despite a prolonged Saudi-UAE led military campaign against them. Below is a timeline of major events in the history of the Yemeni Houthi movement.
1992: Emergence of the Believing Youth (BY) Movement
The inception of the Believing Youth (BY) movement in Saada Governorate marks the genesis of a moderate theological initiative, initially focused on preaching tolerance and embracing a broad perspective toward Yemeni communities.
1994–1995: BY’s Educational Outreach
During these years, BY takes tangible steps to instigate a Zaidi revival in Saada by establishing school clubs and organizing summer camps. These initiatives draw significant participation, with lectures by notable figures such as Mohammed Hussein Fadhlallah and Hassan Nasrallah shaping the religious discourse.
2003: Shift Toward Radicalization
The aftermath of the 2003 Iraq invasion sees a shift in BY’s dynamics, with the organization contributing to the radicalization of Zaydi followers. Anti-American and anti-Jewish sentiments become pronounced, leading to increased scrutiny and subsequent arrests.
June 18, 2004: Escalation to Insurgency
President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s decision to send government forces to apprehend Hussein al-Houthi triggers a full-fledged insurgency against the central government, resulting in Hussein al-Houthi’s demise on September 10, 2004.
2010: Ceasefire Amid Intermittent Conflict
The insurgency persists intermittently until 2010, culminating in a ceasefire. Throughout this period, the Yemeni and Saudi forces engage in efforts to suppress the Houthi rebellion in northern Yemen.
2011: Houthi Engagement in the Yemeni Revolution
Active participation in the 2011 Yemeni Revolution and the National Dialogue Conference characterizes the Houthis’ role. Their rejection of the Gulf Cooperation Council deal stems from concerns about Yemen’s potential division and the targeted assassination of their representative at the NDC.
November 9, 2011: Strategic Control Over Governorates
Houthis assert control over two Yemeni governorates (Saada and Al Jawf) by this date, positioning themselves on the verge of seizing a third (Hajjah), a move that could potentially enable a direct assault on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
2014: Complex Alliance with Saleh
Former president Ali Abdullah Saleh forms a complex alliance with the Houthis from 2014 until his assassination in 2017, accused of treason by the very group he allied with.
September 21, 2014: Houthi Incursion into Sanaa
Reports confirm Houthi incursions into parts of Sanaa, including government buildings and a radio station. Their expanding control faces formidable challenges from Al-Qaeda.
January 20, 2015: Presidential Palace Seizure
Houthi rebels seize the presidential palace on January 20, 2015, officially assuming control of the Yemeni government on February 6. This move involves the dissolution of parliament and the establishment of the Revolutionary Committee as the acting authority.
March 20, 2015: Tragedy at Al-Badr and Al-Hashoosh Mosques
A tragic event unfolds as suicide attacks target al-Badr and al-Hashoosh mosques during midday prayers, resulting in the loss of 142 Houthi worshippers’ lives. The Islamic State claims responsibility for this devastating terrorist attack.
March 27, 2015: Saudi-UAE Bombing Campaign Begins
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman becomes Saudi minister of defence on 23 January 2015, after his father’s ascension to the throne. Yemeni president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi requests military support after his forces were ousted from Sanaʽa by Houthi insurgents during the Yemeni Civil War. MBS forms a coalition led by Saudi Arabia initiating airstrikes in Yemen on March 27, 2015. The coalition, which includes the United States, engages in planning, logistical support, and intelligence efforts.
Late 2017: Alliance Dissolution and Saleh’s Demise
The once-complex alliance between Saleh and the Houthis crumbles in late 2017, leading to armed clashes in Sanaa. Saleh’s public declaration of the split on December 2 results in his house being assaulted by Houthi fighters, leading to his death on the same day.
January 2021: U.S. Designation and Subsequent Reversal
In a significant turn of events, the United States designates the Houthis as a terrorist organization in January 2021, sparking concerns about potential aid shortages in Yemen. However, this decision is swiftly reversed after Joe Biden assumes the presidency in February.
January 17, 2022: Houthi Admission of Responsibility
Houthi missile and drone attacks on UAE industrial targets result in the deaths of three foreign workers. This marks the first instance in which the Houthis openly admit responsibility for a specific attack.
October 31, 2023: Houthi Ballistic Missile Incident
During the Israel–Hamas War, Houthi forces launch ballistic missiles at Israel on October 31, 2023. Israel’s Arrow missile defense system intercepts the missiles, with Israeli officials asserting that this marks the inaugural instance of combat in space.
Since October 2023, the Houthi movement, also known as Ansarallah, has been involved in several significant incidents and made various statements that have impacted regional stability. Here is a timeline of key events and statements:
- October 7, 2023: The conflict involving the Houthis intensified with the Hamas attack on Israel. The Houthis have been controlling large parts of Yemen since late 2014 and have been in conflict with the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Around this time, the Houthis began to show a more active stance in the regional conflict, aligning with Iran’s resistance axis.
- October 9, 2023: Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, a prominent member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, issued warnings against the United States’ potential military intervention on behalf of Israel. He indicated the Houthis’ readiness to carry out military strikes against American targets.
- October 19, 2023: The Houthis launched a barrage of five cruise missiles and 30 armed drones. Some of these were intercepted by the USS Carney, a U.S. naval vessel. This incident demonstrated the Houthis’ capacity to launch coordinated attacks using sophisticated weaponry.
- October 27, 2023: The Houthis launched two armed drones that were downed or crashed in or near Egypt, including one that hit a building in the Red Sea town of Taba, injuring six people.
- November 2023: The Houthis shifted their focus to maritime attacks. They hijacked the Bahamian-flagged Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea and issued threats against shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint.
- December 3, 2023: Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for attacking two commercial vessels, the Unity Explorer and Number 9.
- December 9, 2023: The Houthis announced plans to expand their attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea to include “all the ships … from any nationality” heading toward Israel.
- December 2023: The Houthis continued their maritime attacks, targeting several commercial vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These attacks included the Norwegian-flagged Strinda and were characterized as violations of international law by various observers.
- US and UK Military Strikes: On January 12, 2024, the United States and the United Kingdom, with support from several other nations, launched a series of missile and airstrike operations against Houthi positions in Yemen. This military action was a response to the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The strikes targeted Houthi military sites and were intended to degrade their capabilities to attack Red Sea targets. Despite these strikes, the Houthis declared that at least five of their members were killed and six wounded.
- Houthi Responses and Activities: The Houthis continued their maritime activities in the Red Sea, including attempts to commandeer ships. They have been using unmanned surface vessels, some of which operate as drone boats that explode on impact. These actions are part of the Houthis’ larger campaign to support Palestinians, as they have declared their attacks as part of their support for Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war.
- International and Regional Reactions: The United Nations Security Council condemned the Houthis’ actions but also recognized their growing influence in the region. Within Yemen, the Houthis’ actions, particularly their stance on supporting Gaza, have gained popularity, bolstering their recruitment and enabling them to mobilize large rallies.
Yemeni Houthi FAQs
Q: Why are they called Houthis?
A: The term “Houthis” refers to the followers of the Houthi family, who are members of the Zaidi sect of Shia Islam. The Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, originated in Yemen and is named after its founding leader, Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi. The Houthi family has played a prominent role in leading the movement, and their followers are commonly referred to as Houthis.
The term “Houthi” is a simplification and shorthand way of referring to the movement and its followers. It has become the commonly used term in international media to describe the political and military faction associated with the Houthi family and their followers in Yemen.
Q: Are Houthis a tribe?
A: While the Houthi movement originated with the Houthi family and their followers, not all members of the movement are from the Houthi family. The movement has grown beyond its familial roots, and it encompasses a broader coalition of supporters who share common ideological, religious, and political goals. The term “Houthi” is often used more broadly to refer to the movement as a whole, including individuals who may not be directly related to the Houthi family.
The movement’s expansion over time has involved alliances with various tribal, political, and military factions, which has contributed to its broader composition. The Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, has gained support from segments of the Zaidi Shia population in Yemen, and it has attracted followers who align with its political and religious objectives.
While the Houthi family remains influential within the movement, the term “Houthi” has come to represent a larger collective of individuals who share common beliefs and objectives associated with the movement.
Q: What were the specific goals and early activities of the Believing Youth (BY) organization in 1992?
A: The BY organization, founded in 1992 in Saada Governorate, aimed to promote a moderate theological movement that preached tolerance and embraced a broad-minded view of all Yemeni peoples. Early activities included the establishment of school clubs and summer camps to foster a Zaidi revival in Saada.
Q: What is Zaidi Islam?
A: Zaidi Islam is a sect within Shia Islam, named after Zayd ibn Ali, the grandson of Husayn ibn Ali, who was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Q: Who is Zayd ibn Ali, and why is the sect named after him?
A: Zayd ibn Ali is the grandson of Husayn ibn Ali and the namesake of the Zaidi Shia sect. The sect is named after him as it primarily adheres to his teachings within the broader context of Shia Islam.
Q: How does Zaidi Islam differ from Twelver Shia Islam?
A: Zaidism is one of the oldest branches of Shia Islam and is distinct from the more predominant Twelver Shia branch. While both adhere to the imamate of the descendants of Ali, Zaidism has its own theological and legal traditions that differ from those of Twelver Shia.
Q: Where are Zaidis predominantly found, and in what country do they make up a significant portion of the population?
A: Zaidis are predominantly found in Yemen, and they make up a significant portion of the population in the northern parts of the country.
Q: What are some key aspects of Zaidi beliefs and practices?
A: Zaidis believe in the leadership of the descendants of Ali, and historically, their beliefs and practices have been associated with a moderate and inclusive approach.
Q: How does Zaidism contribute to the religious landscape in Yemen?
A: Zaidism plays a significant role in the religious landscape of Yemen, particularly in the northern regions of the country. The Zaidi community has had historical and cultural significance in Yemen.
Q: What factors and events contributed to the radicalization of some Zaydis associated with BY in 2003?
A: The radicalization in 2003 was influenced by the aftermath of the Iraq invasion. Anti-American and anti-Jewish sentiments emerged among BY-affiliated youth, leading to increased government scrutiny and arrests.
Q: What were the circumstances surrounding the insurgency launched by Hussein al-Houthi in 2004, and how did it unfold?
A: In response to government actions, Hussein al-Houthi launched an insurgency against the central government in 2004. The conflict continued intermittently until a ceasefire agreement in 2010, and Hussein al-Houthi was killed on September 10, 2004.
Q: What was the role of the Houthis during the Yemeni Revolution in 2011, and how did it influence the broader revolutionary movement?
A: During the Yemeni Revolution in 2011, the Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, participated alongside various factions in calling for political reforms and an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s rule. Their involvement in the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) showcased the diversity of the opposition, but their rejection of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) deal and subsequent territorial gains in the north added complexity to the movement. The Houthis’ assertiveness influenced power dynamics, strained unity due to differing objectives, and contributed to post-revolution challenges, making them a significant political and military force in Yemen’s evolving political landscape.
Q: How did the Houthis gain control over Saada, Al Jawf, and Hajjah governorates?
A: The Houthis gained control over Saada, Al Jawf, and Hajjah governorates through a multifaceted approach involving historical influence, strategic alliances, and military campaigns. Saada, a historical stronghold, saw the Houthis consolidate power after an insurgency and subsequent ceasefire in 2010. The Houthi movement capitalized on the Yemeni Revolution’s aftermath in 2011, leveraging internal strife to expand their territorial influence. By forming alliances with tribal and military factions and garnering local support, they extended their reach beyond Saada into neighboring governorates. Military offensives and reported ties to Iran further fueled concerns from regional actors. The evolving dynamics of the conflict in Yemen have shaped the Houthis’ influence in the region, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
Q: What were the shared interests and factors leading to the complex alliance between Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Houthis from 2014 to 2017?
A: The alliance between Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Houthis from 2014 to 2017 was shaped by a convergence of shared interests and factors. Both parties, disgruntled with the Yemeni government and opposed to perceived foreign interference from Gulf states, found common cause.
Their collaboration involved joint military campaigns against shared enemies, with Saleh’s political experience complementing the Houthis’ military capabilities. Shared Zaidi identity and sectarian ties, along with the shifting power dynamics in Yemen, played crucial roles. However, the alliance eventually unraveled in 2017, leading to armed clashes in Sanaa and Saleh’s death.
The complex geopolitical landscape, including regional conflicts and alleged Iranian support for the Houthis, added further intricacy to their alliance and its subsequent breakdown. The factors that initially brought them together ultimately contributed to the fragmentation and conflicts within Yemen’s intricate political landscape.
Q: What prompted the Houthi missile and drone attacks on UAE industrial targets in 2022?
A: Houthi rebels have targeted sites in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in response to their military involvement in Yemen, particularly their participation in bombing campaigns. The Houthi rebels perceive the Saudi-led coalition’s intervention, including the UAE’s military actions, as a threat to their interests and have conducted attacks in what they view as retaliatory measures.
Q: Why do Houthi fighters have bulges on the side of their mouths?
A: They chew Qat which is very common in Yemen and not specific to the Houthis. Qat (also spelled khat) refers to a flowering plant, Catha edulis, whose leaves and young shoots are chewed for their stimulant effects. Qat is native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and it has been used for centuries in traditional cultural practices.
When the leaves of the qat plant are chewed, they release cathinone, a stimulant that can produce effects similar to amphetamines. Chewing qat is a social activity in some cultures, and it is often associated with socializing and discussions.