Who are Houthis fighting? The Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, are a Shia Muslim group based in Yemen. They have been engaged in a complex and protracted conflict with various factions within Yemen, including the Yemeni government, Saudi Arabia, and other regional powers. This article aims to explore the key adversaries of the Houthis and the nature of their conflict.
The Houthis originated in the northern Yemeni province of Saada and have been fighting for greater autonomy and influence in Yemen since the late 1990s. Their conflict with the Yemeni government escalated in 2014 when they captured the capital, Sanaa, and began to expand their control over other parts of the country. Since then, the Houthis have been fighting on multiple fronts, with several key adversaries:
1. Yemeni Government: The Houthis’ primary adversary is the Yemeni government, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The conflict between the two sides began in 2014 when the Houthis took control of Sanaa and other key cities. The Yemeni government, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, has been fighting to regain control of the country and restore Hadi’s authority.
2. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has been a major player in the conflict, providing military and financial support to the Yemeni government. Riyadh views the Houthis as a proxy for Iran, which it suspects of supporting the rebels. The Saudi-led coalition has conducted numerous airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, leading to widespread civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis.
3. United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE has also been involved in the conflict, providing military assistance to the Yemeni government and participating in ground operations against the Houthis. The UAE has been particularly active in the southern regions of Yemen, where it aims to counter the Houthis’ influence and support the local separatist movements.
4. Iran: Iran is widely believed to provide support to the Houthis, including arms, funding, and training. While Tehran denies these allegations, the Houthis have openly expressed their gratitude to Iran for its support. The Saudi-led coalition and other regional powers view Iran’s involvement as a threat to regional stability and security.
5. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP): The Houthis have also been engaged in conflict with AQAP, an al-Qaeda affiliate based in Yemen. AQAP has been responsible for numerous attacks against both Houthi and Yemeni government forces, as well as civilian targets. The Houthis and AQAP have been competing for influence in Yemen, with both groups seeking to establish their own control over the country.
The conflict between the Houthis and their adversaries has had devastating consequences for Yemen. The country is now facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people suffering from hunger, disease, and displacement. The war has also led to a significant deterioration in the country’s infrastructure and economy, further exacerbating the suffering of the Yemeni population.
In conclusion, the Houthis are fighting against a complex array of adversaries, including the Yemeni government, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and AQAP. The conflict has deep roots in Yemen’s political and religious landscape, and resolving it will require a comprehensive and inclusive peace process that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
