Stories
Saudi-Iran-Yemen Conflict: Red Sea War Clouds; Who are the Houthis?
- •Renewed major tension in the Middle East due to continuous Houthi rebel attacks on Saudi Arabia, threatening international trade routes.
- •The Houthis are an armed group from Yemen's Zaydi Shia sect, who overthrew the Yemeni government in 2014 and seized power in Sana'a.
- •Eight Sunni Islamic countries, led by Saudi Arabia, launched attacks against the Houthis in support of the Yemeni government.
- •The Houthis declared their peace agreement with Saudi Arabia ended after Saudi forces attacked and destroyed Sana'a airport's runway.
- •Analysts suggest the conflict is primarily about regional power, oil wealth, and maritime trade routes, rather than solely religious motives.
Key Questions Answered
The Houthis are an armed rebel group belonging to the Zaydi Shia sect, who make up about 35% of Yemen's population and primarily reside in the northwestern 'Saada' province. Until their rule was overthrown in 1962, the Zaydi Imamate dominated northern Yemen.
The peace agreement collapsed after Yemeni government and Saudi forces destroyed the runway at Sana'a airport to prevent an Iranian Mahan Air plane from landing. In retaliation, the Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and launched attacks on oil tankers and cities like Jizan and Yanbu.
Taking advantage of the disintegration of Yemen's central state during the 2011 Arab Spring, the Houthis expanded their power and seized the capital city of Sana'a in 2014, overthrowing President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi's government.
