Who Are the Houthis? The Rebels Behind the Red Sea Attacks

For decades, a shadowy force has been rewriting the balance of power in the Arabian Peninsula. From the rugged mountains of northern Yemen, the Houthis have risen from a little-known insurgent group to a dominant military and political force challenging regional giants like Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Their missile and drone attacks have disrupted global trade, drawn international military responses, and deepened fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. But who are the Houthis? Are they freedom fighters resisting foreign influence, or are they Iranian proxies?

Understanding the Houthis

Who Are the Houthis in Yemen?

The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), are a Yemeni armed political and religious movement that has emerged as one of the most formidable forces in the Middle East. Their origins trace back to the early 1990s in Yemen’s northern province of Saada, where they began as a religious revivalist movement advocating for the Zaidi Shia minority. The group takes its name from Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, a Zaidi cleric and former Yemeni parliament member who played a pivotal role in shaping its ideology and resistance efforts.

The movement was initially formed to preserve Zaidi religious identity and oppose what its followers saw as growing Saudi Arabian influence and the spread of Wahhabi Sunni ideology in Yemen. However, tensions with the Yemeni government escalated under President Ali Abdullah Saleh, culminating in a series of armed rebellions from 2004 to 2010. The Yemeni military killed Hussein al-Houthi in 2004, but rather than fading away, the group only grew stronger under the leadership of his brother, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.

The Houthis belong to the Zaidi branch of Shia Islam, which historically ruled northern Yemen for centuries before the 1962 revolution that led to the establishment of the modern Yemeni republic. Unlike Twelver Shia Islam, which is dominant in Iran, Zaidism shares many doctrinal similarities with Sunni Islam. However, the Houthis’ ideology has evolved beyond traditional Zaidi beliefs, adopting elements of Iran’s revolutionary rhetoric and anti-Western narratives.

The movement is deeply hostile toward Saudi Arabia and the United States, viewing them as oppressors interfering in Yemeni affairs. While this rhetoric has drawn international criticism, the Houthis insist that their fight is not just religious but also political, aimed at resisting foreign intervention and reclaiming Yemen’s sovereignty.

Where Are the Houthis Located?

The Houthis’ primary base of operations is in northern Yemen, particularly in the Saada province, their traditional homeland. Over the years, they have expanded their influence into other key areas, including the capital, Sanaa, which they seized in 2014 after toppling the internationally recognized Yemeni government.

The group also holds strategic locations in Amran, Al-Jawf, and parts of Marib, controlling significant portions of Yemen’s highlands. These mountainous regions provide a natural defensive advantage, allowing the Houthis to wage guerrilla warfare against both Yemeni government forces and the Saudi-led coalition.

At their peak, the Houthis controlled nearly 70% of Yemen’s populated areas, including critical Red Sea ports like Hodeidah, a key gateway for humanitarian aid and trade. This territorial control has given them leverage in negotiations and increased their ability to sustain their war effort through taxation, smuggling, and alleged Iranian military assistance.

Despite relentless Saudi-led airstrikes and counteroffensives from Yemeni government forces, the Houthis have managed to retain their strongholds. Their governance in controlled areas is strict, often implementing heavy taxation and mandatory military conscription, particularly among young men. However, their ability to maintain security and provide basic services in some regions has also won them a degree of local support, particularly among those disillusioned by the corruption of past Yemeni governments.

The Houthi Movement: Evolution and Objectives

The Houthi movement began as a religious and socio-political initiative under Hussein al-Houthi in the 1990s. Initially, their activism was focused on education and religious revivalism, but by the early 2000s, tensions with the Yemeni government escalated into open rebellion. The Yemeni military launched multiple crackdowns on the group, leading to six wars between 2004 and 2010.

After Hussein al-Houthi’s death, his younger brother, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, transformed the movement into a more organized and militarized force. The group capitalized on the political instability that followed the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, aligning itself with former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to overthrow his successor, President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, in 2014. This dramatic takeover marked the beginning of Yemen’s ongoing civil war.

The Houthis’ primary goal has always been to secure greater political representation for the Zaidi community and eliminate foreign influence from Yemen. However, their objectives have expanded over time, particularly after gaining territorial control and military capabilities. Their key goals include:

1. Ending Saudi and U.S. Influence in Yemen – The Houthis view Saudi Arabia and the U.S. as imperialist forces attempting to dictate Yemen’s future. Their military operations frequently target Saudi-led coalition forces and U.S.-linked assets in the region.
   
2. Establishing a Houthi-Led Government – Despite their initial claims of fighting for justice, the Houthis have gradually positioned themselves as the ruling authority in Yemen, refusing to relinquish control over Sanaa and other key regions.
   
3. Gaining International Recognition – The Houthis seek legitimacy on the world stage, engaging in negotiations with the United Nations and other global powers while leveraging their control over humanitarian aid routes to extract concessions.
   
4. Expanding Military Capabilities – The group has developed an increasingly sophisticated arsenal, including ballistic missiles, drones, and naval mines. Their strikes on Saudi oil facilities and, more recently, on international shipping routes in the Red Sea demonstrate their growing military reach.

As of today, the Houthis remain a dominant force in Yemen’s conflict, firmly holding their ground both militarily and politically. Their key demands revolve around three main issues: the complete withdrawal of Saudi-led coalition forces from Yemen, the lifting of the blockade on Houthi-controlled ports and airports, and a political settlement that grants them formal authority in northern Yemen.

They argue that the blockade is strangling Yemen’s economy and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis, while their insistence on political recognition underscores their ambition to shape the country’s future governance.

Despite ongoing international peace talks, the Houthis continue to assert their influence through military action. Their control over key strategic areas allows them to leverage negotiations in their favor. Their persistent attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes and Saudi Arabian infrastructure further signal their unwillingness to retreat without securing major concessions.

Leadership and Structure

The Houthi Leadership

At the helm of the Houthi movement is Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the group’s supreme leader and a central figure in Yemen’s ongoing conflict. Born in 1979, Abdul-Malik inherited leadership after the death of his brother, Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, in 2004.

Under his command, the Houthis evolved from a localized insurgency into a formidable political and military force, capable of launching long-range missile and drone strikes against regional adversaries. His leadership is marked by staunch anti-Western rhetoric, deep ties with Iran, and an unyielding resistance to Saudi-led intervention in Yemen.

Houthi Leadership Structure

The Houthi movement operates under a hierarchical but decentralized leadership structure.

For more information about the Houthi leader, here

The Houthis in the Yemeni Context

Role in the Yemeni Civil War

The Houthis Yemen movement has played a central role in the ongoing civil war. Originally emerging as a religious and political movement, the Houthi rebels transitioned into an armed insurgency in the early 2000s, engaging in multiple conflicts with Yemen’s government.

Their power dramatically expanded in 2014 when they seized control of the capital, Sana’a, and forced the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to flee. This takeover triggered a broader conflict, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in 2015 aimed at restoring Hadi’s government and countering the growing influence of the Houthi movement.

Over the years, the Yemen Houthi rebels have consolidated their grip on northern Yemen, establishing a de facto government while continuing to battle pro-government forces, tribal groups, and southern separatists.

Despite their dominance in certain regions, the Houthi movement remains locked in a complex power struggle with various factions, including the Southern Transitional Council (STC), al-Islah party, and remnants of the Yemeni military loyal to the internationally recognized government.

The Houthis’ control over key territories, such as Sana’a and the strategic Red Sea port of Hodeidah, has given them leverage in negotiations while also making them a primary target for airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition.

The conflict has had devastating humanitarian consequences, with millions of Yemenis suffering from food shortages, disease outbreaks, and displacement. The Houthi rebels have been accused of exacerbating the crisis by imposing heavy taxation, restricting humanitarian aid, and engaging in military operations that further destabilize the country.

Their resilience, however, has ensured that they remain one of the most powerful factions in Yemen’s civil war, shaping both the battlefield and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.

International Relations and Perceptions

The Yemen Houthi rebels have long been a controversial entity on the international stage. Several countries, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, have designated them as a terrorist organization, citing their military aggression, ties to Iran, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Washington briefly classified the Houthi movement as a terrorist group under the Trump administration, though this designation was later reversed by the Biden administration amid concerns that it would hinder humanitarian aid efforts. In 2024, however, the U.S. reintroduced sanctions on Houthi leaders, emphasizing their continued threat to regional stability.

A major point of contention in international discourse is the Houthi rebels’ alleged connection to Iran. Western and Gulf officials argue that Tehran provides the group with financial, military, and logistical support, including advanced missile and drone technology used in cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

While Iran officially denies direct military involvement, evidence suggests that the Houthis Yemen movement has received training and weapons from Iranian-backed networks, further entrenching them in the region’s broader geopolitical struggle.

The Houthi movement has also been widely accused of human rights abuses. International organizations, including the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, have documented numerous violations, including the recruitment of child soldiers, targeting of civilian areas, and the use of landmines that endanger local populations.

Reports indicate that thousands of children have been forcibly conscripted into Houthi rebel ranks, often sent to the frontlines with little training. Additionally, allegations of political repression, arbitrary arrests, and torture against opposition figures and journalists have further tarnished their reputation.

Despite these accusations, the Houthis Yemen faction continues to portray itself as a nationalist resistance force, fighting against foreign intervention and external manipulation. They have framed their struggle as a battle for Yemeni sovereignty, rejecting accusations of terrorism and instead pointing to the destruction caused by Saudi-led airstrikes and blockades. This narrative has found some support among certain factions within Yemen and international actors critical of Western and Gulf policies in the region.

As peace efforts continue, the international community remains divided on how to engage with the Yemen Houthi rebels. Some advocate for continued pressure through military action and sanctions, while others argue for diplomatic engagement to bring the group into a political framework that could lead to long-term stability.

However, with the Houthi movement showing no signs of backing down and regional tensions persisting, their role in Yemen’s future remains uncertain, and their international standing continues to be a subject of intense debate.

Recent Developments

Why Did the U.S. Attack the Houthis?

The United States has recently intensified military actions against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, launching a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi military infrastructure. This escalation comes in response to persistent Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, which have threatened global trade and regional security. The U.S. government, in coordination with its allies, justified these strikes as a necessary measure to protect commercial vessels and deter further aggression from the Houthi movement.

Washington’s involvement stems from growing concerns over the Houthis’ ability to disrupt maritime traffic in one of the world’s most critical trade routes. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is vital for global oil and goods transportation.

The Houthis Yemen faction has been accused of using drones and missiles to target vessels they believe are linked to Western or Gulf interests. The U.S. and its allies view these attacks as a direct threat to international stability, prompting a military response to neutralize Houthi capabilities.

Watch: Why the Gulf of Aden is dangerous ?

Furthermore, the strikes serve a broader strategic goal: countering Iranian influence in the region. The Yemen Houthi rebels have long been suspected of receiving support from Tehran, and the U.S. sees these operations as a way to weaken Iranian-backed militant groups. By striking Houthi positions, Washington aims to send a clear message to Iran and its proxies that threats to global security will not be tolerated.

Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea

The Houthi rebels have escalated their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Since late 2023, the group has launched a series of missile and drone strikes on vessels navigating the area, claiming that they are targeting ships associated with Israel, the U.S., and their allies. However, many of these attacks have hit neutral or civilian cargo ships, raising international alarm.

One of the most high-profile incidents occurred when a commercial tanker was struck by a Houthi missile, forcing its crew to abandon the vessel. Other attacks have damaged international shipping companies’ operations, leading some to reroute their ships away from the Red Sea, which significantly increases costs and disrupts supply chains. These actions have not only worsened Yemen’s humanitarian crisis but have also drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.

The response from global powers has been swift. The U.S. and U.K. launched joint airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas, aiming to degrade their ability to continue these maritime attacks. Meanwhile, European nations have reinforced their naval presence in the region, increasing patrols to protect commercial ships. Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have also called for decisive action against the Houthi movement, viewing the group’s aggression as a direct challenge to regional stability.

However, the Houthis Yemen faction remains defiant, insisting that their attacks are justified responses to Western and Israeli actions in the Middle East. The group has vowed to continue its operations unless its demands—such as an end to the blockade on Yemen and the withdrawal of foreign forces—are met. This has led to growing fears that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional war.

Connections with Iran

One of the most contentious aspects of the Houthi rebels’ rise to power is their alleged connection to Iran. Western intelligence agencies and Gulf nations have repeatedly accused Tehran of supplying the Yemen Houthi rebels with advanced weaponry, including missiles, drones, and military training. While Iran officially denies direct involvement, there is strong evidence suggesting that Iranian-made drones and ballistic missiles have been used in Houthi attacks.

Iran’s alleged support for the Houthi movement is part of its broader strategy to expand its influence across the Middle East by backing proxy groups. Just as Tehran has supported Hezbollah in Lebanon and various militias in Iraq and Syria, it has been accused of using the Houthis as a tool to exert pressure on Saudi Arabia and disrupt Western-aligned interests in the region. The Houthis’ continued ability to launch long-range missile strikes on Saudi territory and threaten U.S. naval assets further fuels suspicions of Iranian involvement.

This connection has major implications for regional stability. Saudi Arabia and the UAE see the Houthi rebels not just as a local insurgent group but as an extension of Iranian military power on their doorstep.

This perception has driven their continued involvement in Yemen’s war, with Riyadh in particular viewing the conflict as a direct battle against Iranian expansionism. Meanwhile, Israel and the U.S. have increasingly framed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea as part of a broader Iranian campaign against Western and allied nations.

With tensions at an all-time high, the future of the Houthi movement and its relationship with Iran remains a critical issue in Middle Eastern geopolitics. If evidence of deeper Iranian involvement continues to surface, it could lead to more aggressive military actions from the U.S. and its allies, potentially escalating the conflict beyond Yemen’s borders. However, diplomatic efforts continue in the background, with some international actors hoping to bring both the Houthis and Iran to the negotiating table to prevent a wider regional confrontation.

Conclusion 

So “Who are the Houthis?” The answer is complex. The Houthi movement began as a religious revivalist group in northern Yemen but has evolved into one of the most powerful military and political forces in the region. Their rise has been shaped by historical grievances, sectarian identity, and geopolitical struggles, making them a central player in Yemen’s ongoing civil war.

Today, the Houthi rebels control vast territories, including the capital, Sanaa, and continue to challenge both local rivals and international powers. Their links to Iran, attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, and defiance against U.S.-led operations have positioned them as a key factor in Middle Eastern conflicts.

Ultimately, understanding who the Houthis are requires acknowledging their dual role as both a political force and an armed insurgency. Their influence extends beyond Yemen, affecting global security, regional alliances, and international trade. Whether through negotiations or continued conflict, the Yemen Houthi rebels will remain at the center of geopolitical tensions for the foreseeable future.