The Houthi movement, also known as Anṣār Allāh, is an Islamic fundamentalist group from northern Yemen. It arose from Zaydī revivalist origins, gained strength amid government crackdowns, and has become a powerful military force with Iranian support. The Houthis took control of Sanaa in late 2017 and have recently demonstrated their ability to influence regional affairs significantly by launching attacks on Israel and disrupting maritime trade in the Red Sea following the Israel-Hamas War in October 2023.
The Houthi movement, formally known as Anṣār Allāh, is an Islamic fundamentalist group originating from northern Yemen. It emerged from a revivalist movement among Zaydī Muslims, a sect of Shiʿi Islam that has historically resisted foreign dominance in Yemeni governance. The movement transformed from a religious revival into a potent military force following crackdowns by Yemeni authorities in the early 21st century and particularly following the Yemeni Civil War that began in 2014. With significant support from Iran during the conflict, the Houthis became a critical player not only within Yemen but also in broader regional dynamics. By 2020, the group appeared to strengthen its position in the civil war, gaining notable leverage amid a deteriorating international landscape. In 2023, the Houthi movement further solidified its stance by launching attacks against Israel in the wake of the Israel-Hamas War and disrupting international shipping in the Red Sea, underscoring its capacity to exert influence far beyond Yemeni borders. The Houthi movement traces its roots to Zaydī culture, which established itself in northern Yemen around 893 CE. Historically, Zaydīs enjoyed a significant political presence, which faced challenges, particularly after the overthrow of their traditional leader, the imam, in 1962. The establishment of the Yemen Arab Republic led to the marginalization of Zaydī grievances and spiritual authority. The rise of Wahhābism in the region during the late 20th century prompted a Zaydī revival as community leaders sought to preserve their religious identity against perceived external threats. This awakening culminated politically with the formation of the Al-Ḥaqq (Truth) Party in the 1990s, which aimed to resist Saudi influence within Yemen. The movement’s evolution into the Houthi rebellion was marked by rising tensions against the Yemeni regime, particularly under President Ali Abdullah Saleh, amid foreign interventions such as the U.S. war on terrorism and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi, the movement’s founder, commanded significant support but was killed by government forces in 2004. Despite this, the rebellion continued, fueled by arms acquisitions and widespread discontent against the Saleh regime, eventually leading to the uprising in 2014 following widespread protests against President Hadi’s government. The ensuing Yemeni Civil War saw the Houthis capitalize on political instability, culminating in their takeover of the capital Sanaa in 2017, amidst escalating conflict with Saudi-led coalition forces. The Houthis maintained their strength, in part by controlling critical resources like the port city of Hodeidah, which has significant humanitarian implications. As the conflict prolonged into the 2020s, international dynamics shifted, introducing new complexities as external powers began to reassess their engagements in the region. The recent escalation of hostilities in October 2023 due to the Israel-Hamas conflict prompted renewed Houthi aggression, further destabilizing regional security and prompting military responses from the United States.
The Houthi movement, officially termed Anṣār Allāh, is deeply rooted in the historical context of Yemen, particularly among the Zaydī Muslim sect, which has existed since the 9th century. The Zaydīs have experienced periods of political dominance and marginalization, especially following the establishment of the Yemen Arab Republic in the 1960s, which dismantled their traditional leadership. The rise of Wahhābism and related ideologies in the late 20th century prompted the Zaydī community to mobilize and assert their identity through movements such as the Believing Youth, fostering an environment conducive to the eventual uprising against the Yemeni state. The deteriorating situation within Yemen was exacerbated by regional conflicts and foreign interests, particularly in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring and the subsequent civil war that is ongoing in response to deeply entrenched socio-political grievances.
The Houthi movement represents a significant force in Yemen’s ongoing conflict, with roots deeply embedded in the historical and religio-political landscape of the region. Their rise to prominence amidst political instability and foreign intervention underscores the complexities of the Yemeni Civil War and highlights their ability to influence regional dynamics significantly. The recent escalation in hostilities following the Israel-Hamas conflict illustrates their strategic positioning as an actor capable of impacting global trade and security, thus marking them as a pivotal player in the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical arena.
Original Source: www.britannica.com
