Who Are the Houthis and Why Did US-UK Strikes Rock Yemen?

Who Are The Houthis?

The Houthis are a Yemeni armed militia representing the minority Zaidi Shia sect. Emerging in the 1980s to counter Saudi influence, their founder is Hussein al-Houthi. The Iran-backed group now controls much of western Yemen including its Red Sea coast.

Gaza Solidarity

The militants are staunchly anti-Israel and support Palestinian Hamas. After October’s Hamas attack in Gaza, Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi vowed to deploy mass forces to confront the “enemy”.

Houthis Target Red Sea

Shortly after, Houthis began strikes on vessels transiting the essential Red Sea channel linking Europe, Africa and Asia. Most missiles were intercepted, but attacks escalated in November with the gunpoint capture of an oil tanker crew.

Shipping Rerouted

As militancy intensified, firms diverted ships around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope despite vastly longer journeys. The Houthis declared all vessels with Israeli ties as legitimate targets. Economic impacts grew.

US And Allies Respond

US initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian patrols in December and has directly engaged militants. With UK forces, dozens of Houthi rockets were intercepted in early January. Antony Blinken said more action may follow.

Power Struggle

The Houthis built support last decade among Yemenis frustrated with ex-strongman Saleh. They seized the capital in 2014 alongside him, then ousted the new Saudi-backed president. A disastrous civil war erupted.

Saudi Intervention

Yemen’s exiled government pleaded for Saudi intervention. The US and allies backed Riyadh’s failed campaign to rout the rebels, devastating Yemen through years of stalemate. Hundreds of thousands perished.

Public Support for Houthi

Many Yemenis agree the Houthis are legitimately upholding Arab solidarity in reaction to Gaza events. Analysts say this shores up militant political capital despite global criticism.

Saudi-Yemen Relation

With Iran ties thawing, Riyadh wants to cement an end to its military quagmire that cedes autonomy for Houthi-held regions. But US retaliation risks derailing withdrawal.