Overview
Also Known As:
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Executive Summary:
The Houthis—officially known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God)—are an Iranian-backed, Shiite Muslim military and political movement in Yemen.Yara Bayoumy and Mohammed Ghobari, “Iranian support seen crucial for Yemen's Houthis,” Reuters, December 15, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-houthis-iran-insight-idUSKBN0JT17A20141215; Saeed Al Batati, “Who are the Houthis in Yemen?,” Al Jazeera, March 29, 2015, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/08/yemen-houthis-hadi-protests-201482132719818986.html; Zachary Laub, “Yemen in Crisis,” Council on Foreign Relations, April 19, 2016, http://www.cfr.org/yemen/yemen-crisis/p36488. Its members, who subscribe to the minority Zaidi sect of Shiite Islam, advocate regional autonomy for Zaidis in northern Yemen. The group has waged a series of bloody insurgencies against the Yemeni government since 2004, overthrowing them and seizing power in Sanaa in 2015.Ahmed al-Haj, “Yemen Shiite Rebels Harden Their Protest Demands,” Associated Press, August 25, 2014, https://wtop.com/news/2014/08/yemen-shiite-rebels-harden-their-protest-demands/; Rod Nordland, “Rebels in Yemen Say They Intend to Form a New Government,” New York Times, February 6, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/07/world/middleeast/yemen-rebels-say-they-will-dissolve-parliament.html?_r=1. In 2016, the group announced the formation of a government.“Formation of New Houthi Government Does Not Help Yemen: U.N. Envoy,” Reuters, November 29, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-un-idUSKBN13O2K1.
The Houthi movement began as an effort to maintain tribal autonomy in northern Yemen and protest Western influence in the Middle East. Today, the Houthis seek a greater role in the Yemeni government and continue to advocate Zaidi minority interests.“5 Things to Know About the Houthis of Yemen,” Dick Streuly, Wall Street Journal, February 12, 2015, http://blogs.wsj.com/briefly/2015/02/12/5-things-houthis-yemen/.
The Houthis have received training and military equipment from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the Saudi ambassador to the United States, the “first thing the Houthis did when they entered and occupied Sanaa was to free Iranian Revolutionary Guards operatives and Hezbollah operatives from the jails.”Warren Strobel and Mark Hosenball, “Elite Iranian Guards Training Yemen’s Houthis: U.S. Officials,” Reuters, March 27, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/27/us-yemen-security-houthis-iran-idUSKBN0MN2MI20150327. The Iranian ship Jihan I was seized allegedly en route to Yemen in 2013 with arms meant for the Houthis.Yara Bayoumy and Mohammed Ghobari, “Iranian Support Seen Crucial for Yemen’s Houthis,” Reuters, December 15, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/15/us-yemen-houthis-iran-insight-idUSKBN0JT17A20141215.
The movement is known for its virulently anti-American and anti-Semitic rhetoric, including the group’s ubiquitous slogan: “God is great! Death to America! Death to Israel! Curse upon the Jews! Victory to Islam!” Noah Browning and Mohammed Ghobari, “Yemen Houthis Launch ‘Martyr’ Videos to Raise Morale,” Reuters, March 9, 2015, http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/03/09/uk-yemen-security-videos-idUKKBN0M51M020150309.
The Houthis have targeted U.S. citizens, kidnapping four Americans in May 2015 and releasing one in early June.Kareem Fahim, “U.S. Citizens Held in Yemen by Houthis,” New York Times, May 31, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/01/world/middleeast/us-citizens-held-in-yemen-by-houthis.html?_r=0; “Elise Labott and Khushbu Shah,” CNN, June 2, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/01/politics/yemen-four-americans-held-houthis/. Several of the group’s leaders have been designated as terrorists by the United States.“Yemen Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 14, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20150414_33.aspx; “Treasury Sanctions Political Spoilers Threatening the Peace, Security and Stability of Yemen,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2693.aspx.
The Houthis’ roots trace back to the 1990s, when Houthis founder Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi created the al-Shabab al-Mumanin (Believing Youth) movement in an effort to combine religious revivalism with anti-imperialism.Adam Taylor, “Who Are the Houthis, the Group That Just Toppled Yemen’s Government?,” Washington Post, January 22, 2015, http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2015/01/22/who-are-the-houthis-the-group-that-just-toppled-yemens-government/. The movement sought to educate local youth about Zaidism’s long history in Saada Governorate, northern Yemen. To that end, the al-Houthi family launched a network of associations, sports clubs, and summer camps.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 6, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. The al-Houthis also sought to protect Zaidism from perceived encroachment of Salafism and Wahhabism from Saudi Arabia into northern Yemen, where Zaidism has been dominant for centuries.Farea al-Muslimi, “The Houthi Paradox,” Middle East Institute, January 16, 2014, http://www.mei.edu/content/houthi-paradox.
God is great! Death to America! Death to Israel! Curse upon the Jews! Victory to Islam!
The Houthi movement grew increasingly politically engaged in 2003, in reaction and opposition to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s support for the U.S-led war in Iraq.Zachary Laub, “Who Are Yemen’s Houthis?,” Council on Foreign Relations, February 25, 2015, http://www.cfr.org/yemen/yemens-houthis/p36178. Domestically, Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi continued to seek autonomy for Saada Governorate from Yemen’s Sunni-dominated central government.
After Saleh dispatched troops in a failed attempt to arrest al-Houthi in 2004, the Houthis launched an insurgency against the government. Al-Houthi was killed during clashes with the government in 2004, but the movement has continued in his name, waging a series of intermittent wars against the government, with Saudi forces intervening to support Sanaa in the years since.Zachary Laub, “Yemen in Crisis,” Council on Foreign Relations, July 8, 2015, http://www.cfr.org/yemen/yemen-crisis/p36488.
During these wars, Saleh repeatedly sought to appease the Houthis by issuing amnesties to their prisoners and even pardoning Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi in 2005, but al-Houthi rejected the pardon and the periodic fighting continued.Christopher Boucek, “War in Saada: From Local Insurrection to National Challenge,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 2010, https://carnegieendowment.org/files/war_in_saada.pdf. In 2007, Qatar brokered a brief cease-fire called the Doha Agreement, but the deal failed to satisfy the parties and fighting resumed that year.Christopher Boucek, “War in Saada: From Local Insurrection to National Challenge,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 2010, https://carnegieendowment.org/files/war_in_saada.pdf. In 2009, with the Saleh government launched the massive Operation Scorched Earth, which sought to crush the insurgency for good, and was backed by financial, political, and military support from the Saudis.Christopher Boucek, “War in Saada: From Local Insurrection to National Challenge,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 2010, https://carnegieendowment.org/files/war_in_saada.pdf. However, the campaign failed, and intermittent fighting continued.Christopher Boucek, “War in Saada: From Local Insurrection to National Challenge,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 2010, https://carnegieendowment.org/files/war_in_saada.pdf.
During the Arab Spring in 2011, mass protests began against the Yemeni government, and Saleh stepped down in 2012 pursuant to an internationally negotiated transition agreement.Angus McDowell and Lisa Barrington, “Timeline: Yemen’s Slide into Political Crisis and War,” Reuters, March 21, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-timeline/timeline-yemens-slide-into-political-crisis-and-war-idUSKCN1R20HO. The Houthis participated in a National Dialogue Conference but continued fighting against government forces.Sama’a Al-Hamdani, “Understanding the Houthi Faction in Yemen,” Lawfare, April 7, 2019, https://www.lawfareblog.com/understanding-houthi-faction-yemen.
The Houthis made significant territorial gains in 2014-2015. In September 2014, the group captured Yemen’s capital, Sanaa,Mohammed Ghobari, “Houthis tighten grip on Yemen capital after swift capture, power-sharing deal,” Reuters, September 22, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/22/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0HH2BQ20140922. resulting in the resignation of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi in January 2015.Mark Mazzetti and David D. Kirkpatrick, “Saudi Arabia Leads Air Assault in Yemen,” New York Times, March 25, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/world/middleeast/al-anad-air-base-houthis-yemen.html?_r=0; “Yemen president quits, throwing country deeper into chaos,” Reuters, January 22, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-houthis-idUSKBN0KV0HT20150122. The following month, the Houthis officially announced the dissolution of Hadi’s parliament and the institution of their interim government, known as the Supreme Revolutionary Committee (SRC).Rod Nordland, “Rebels in Yemen Say They Intend to Form a New Government,” New York Times, February 6, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/07/world/middleeast/yemen-rebels-say-they-will-dissolve-parliament.html?_r=1.
The United Nations began facilitating peace talks between the Houthis and the Yemeni government in October 2015.“Yemeni president dismisses Houthi concessions as ‘maneuver,’” Reuters, October 8, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/09/us-yemen-security-politics-idUSKCN0S21GC20151009. Concurrently, the government of Saudi Arabia held negotiations with the Houthis, beginning in March 2016 and reaching a stalemate in May.Mohammad al-Kibsi and Asa Fitch, "Saudi Arabia, Houthi Rebels Hold Direct Talks on Yemen War," Wall Street Journal, March 9, 2016, http://www.wsj.com/articles/yemen-rebels-saudi-arabia-begin-peace-talks-to-end-nearly-year-long-war-1457520050; Haytham Mouzahem, "Yemen peace talks stuck in stalemate," Al Monitor, May 20, 2016, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/05/yemen-talks-kuwait-war-saudi-arabia-houthis-hadi-government.html. The peace talks between the Houthis and Yemeni government ended without an agreement in early August 2016, after which President Hadi’s forces launched a fresh offensive.“Yemen's Hadi launches military operation east of Sanaa, peace talks end,” Reuters, August 6, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN10H0B4. That month, the SRC handed its authority to the Supreme Political Council (SPC), a government body formed by the July 2016 merger between the Houthis and former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh.“SRC hands over authority to SPC,” Yemen News Agency, August 15, 2016, http://sabanews.net/en/news437023.htm. The alliance between Saleh and the Houthis ended in December 2017 after Saleh offered to reconcile with Saudi Arabia. Houthi forces assassinated Saleh on December 4, 2017, during violent clashes between the rebels and Saleh’s forces.Hakim Almasmari, Tamara Qiblawi, and Hilary Clarke, “Yemen's former President Ali Abdullah Saleh killed trying to flee Sanaa,” CNN, December 4, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/04/middleeast/yemen-former-president-ali-abdullah-saleh-killed-intl/index.html; Marwan Bishara, “Analysis: Yemen's ex-president Saleh's killing was ‘revenge,’” Al Jazeera, December 4, 2017, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/analysis-yemens-ex-president-salehs-killing-revenge-171204135213663.html.
Following a week of U.N.-sponsored peace talks in Sweden, all parties tentatively agreed to an immediate cease-fire in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah on December 13, 2018.Patrick Wintour and Bethan McKernan, “Yemen: ceasefire agreed for port city of Hodeidah,” Guardian (London), December 13, 2018, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/13/yemen-ceasefire-agreed-for-vital-port-city-of-hodeidah. However, few of the conditions agreed upon were implemented by either side. Fighting continued until February 17, 2019, when the Houthis and Yemeni government finally withdrew their forces from the city of Hodeidah.Patrick Wintour, “Time running out to turn Yemen ceasefire into peace, says Hunt,” Guardian, February 13, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/13/time-running-out-to-turn-yemen-ceasefire-into-peace-says-hunt; “Yemen and Houthi rebels agree to withdrawal deal,” Guardian (London), February 17, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/17/yemen-and-houthi-rebels-agree-to-withdrawal-deal. While violence has declined in Hodeidah,“United Nations Officials Urge Parties in Yemen to Fulfill Stockholm, Hodeidah Agreements, amid Security Council Calls for Opening of Aid Corridors,” United Nations, June 17, 2019, https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sc13845.doc.htm. it has continued and escalated elsewhere in the country.“U.N. Envoy Sees Troop Withdrawal in Yemen’s Hodeidah within Weeks,” Reuters, April 18, 2019, https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKCN1RU26Y?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews.
Beginning in 2017, the Houthis have also repeatedly attacked Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones, and has ramped up strikes in the spring and summer of 2019.Dion Nissenbaum and Warren P. Strobel, “Mideast Insurgents Enter the Age of Drone Warfare,” Wall Street Journal, May 2, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/mideast-insurgents-enter-the-age-of-drone-warfare-11556814441?mod=article_inline; Jared Malsin, “Iran-Allied Houthis Expose Holes in Saudi Arabia’s Missile Defense,” Wall Street Journal, June 25, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-allied-houthis-expose-holes-in-saudi-arabias-missile-defense-11561455002?redirect=amp#click=https://t.co/UFfZ7eqUCa.
On August 27, 2019, it was reported that the U.S. government is preparing to initiate negotiations with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in an effort to bring the four-year civil war in Yemen to an end.Dion Nissenbaum and Warren P. Strobel, “U.S. Plans to Open Direct Talks With Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen,” Wall Street Journal, August 27, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-open-direct-talks-with-iran-backed-houthis-in-yemen-11566898204. This round of peace negotiations is aimed at convincing Saudi Arabia to take part in secret talks with the rebels in Oman to help broker a cease-fire in the conflict. Oman currently stands at the front line in the regional proxy war between Riyadh and Tehran. The Houthis have previously engaged in peace talks, however both instances—once in 2015 during the Obama administration which sought to broker a cease-fire and the release of Americans held in Yemen, and once just last December during the United Nations peace talks—did not result in any significant progress.Tal Axelrod, “Trump administration preparing for talks with Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen: report,” The Hill, August 28, 2019, https://thehill.com/policy/international/middle-east-north-africa/459126-trump-administration-preparing-for-talks-with.
Doctrine:
Unlike Sunni extremist groups in Yemen, the Houthis adhere to Zaidism, a doctrinally distinct off-shoot of mainstream “Twelver” Shiism.“Yemen Crisis: Who is Fighting Whom?,” BBC News, March 26, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423. While Zaidism ruled Yemen for approximately 900 years beginning in the 9th century, the country has been officially secular since 1962, when a military coup ended the rule of Imam Mohammed Al-Badr.Zachary Laub, “Yemen in Crisis,” Council on Foreign Relations, July 8, 2015, http://www.cfr.org/yemen/yemen-crisis/p36488; Asher Orkaby, “A Road Map to Chaos in Yemen,” Wall Street Journal, April 9, 2015, http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-road-map-to-chaos-in-yemen-1428619669.
The Houthi movement has drawn attention for its anti-American, anti-Semitic slogan, “God is great! Death to America! Death to Israel! Curse upon the Jews! Victory to Islam!”Noah Browning and Mohammed Ghobari, “Yemen Houthis Launch ‘Martyr’ Videos to Raise Morale,” Reuters (UK), March 9, 2015, http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/03/09/uk-yemen-security-videos-idUKKBN0M51M020150309. While some analysts maintain that the slogan does not reflect the group’s objectives, the Houthis have issued threats against Yemen’s Jewish community and attempted to force the U.S. ambassador from Yemen to leave.Madeleine Wells, “Yemen’s Houthi movement and the revolution,” Foreign Policy, February 27, 2012, http://foreignpolicy.com/2012/02/27/yemens-houthi-movement-and-the-revolution/. The Jews living in Saada were threatened by the Houthis in 2007 and forced to relocate to Sanaa, where they were living under government protection as of early 2015.Sam Sokol, “Yemen Coup Could Spell Trouble for Local Jewish Community,” Jerusalem Post, January 21, 2015, http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Yemen-coup-could-spell-trouble-for-local-Jews-388495.
The Houthis have detained numerous foreign nationals, including at least five Americans. In June 2015, the Houthis released one American captive.Kareem Fahim, “U.S. Citizens Held in Yemen by Houthis,” New York Times, May 31, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/01/world/middleeast/us-citizens-held-in-yemen-by-houthis.html?_r=0; Elise Labott and Khushbu Shah, “One American held in Yemen released,” CNN, June 2, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/01/politics/yemen-four-americans-held-houthis/. On September 20, 2015, after the intercession of Oman’s government, the Houthis released three more hostages, including U.S. citizen Scott Darden, a logistics employee from Louisiana, and one other American. On November 10, 2015, U.S. officials reported that American contractor John Hamen, who had been detained sometime in October 2015, was dead. The announcement was followed by the release of three other Americans believed to be working for the United Nations.Associated Press, “3 Americans reportedly held captive in Yemen's capital freed, flown to Oman after negotiation,” U.S. News and World Report, November 19, 2015, http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/11/19/oman-news-agency-3-americans-flown-in-from-war-torn-yemen.
Organizational Structure:
The Houthi movement’s organizational structure is opaque. The movement began as a grassroots religious organization aimed at youth,Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 6, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. but over time it has entered politics and developed military capabilities. Following the killing of movement founder Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi by Yemeni forces in 2004, the Houthis were led by Hussein’s father, spiritual leader Badr al-Din al-Houthi. The movement’s current leader is Hussein’s younger brother, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.“Yemen's Abd-al-Malik al-Houthi,” BBC News, October 3, 2014, http://www.bbc.co.uk/monitoring/yemens-abd-almalik-alhouthi.
Financing:
Yemeni officials have long accused Iran’s Shiite Islamist regime of providing political, financial, and logistical support to the Houthi rebels and other secessionist movements in Yemen. Despite a 2009 U.N. report confirming such claims, Iran and the Houthis have historically denied engaging in past cooperation.Carole Landry, “Iran arming Yemen's Houthi rebels since 2009: UN report,” Middle East Eye, May 1, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-arming-yemens-huthi-rebels-2009-un-report-1170499355. Nevertheless, other reports subsequently confirmed Iranian support, including a Reuters article in December of 2014 confirming financial backing by Tehran. One source stated, “We think there is cash, some of which is channeled via Hezbollah and sacks of cash arriving at the airport.”Yara Bayoumy and Mohammed Ghobari, “Iranian support seen crucial for Yemen’s Houthis,” Reuters, December 15, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/15/us-yemen-houthis-iran-insight-idUSKBN0JT17A20141215. Only in 2015 did Iran finally acknowledge providing “direct support” to the Houthis rebels. According one Houthi official, the group has received tens of millions of dollars from the Iranian regime in recent years.Jay Solomon, Dion Nissenbaum, and Asa Fitch, “In Strategic Shift, U.S. Draws Closer to Yemeni Rebels,” Wall Street Journal, January 29, 2015, https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-strategic-shift-u-s-draws-closer-to-yemeni-rebels-1422576308. Experts place the amount of financial support from Iran at between $10 and $20 million per year, including at least one alleged payment of $3.7 million.Kellan Howell, “Iran spending billions on terrorists’ salaries: report,” Washington Times, September 5, 2015, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/5/iran-spending-billions-on-terrorists-salaries-repo/;
“Yemen: Classified document reveals extent of Iranian support for Houthis,” Asharq al-Awsat, July 6, 2015, http://english.aawsat.com/2015/07/article55344262/yemen-classified-document-reveals-extent-of-iranian-support-for-houthis.
In addition to allegedly sending financial support to the Houthis, Iran also reportedly dispatches military personnel and weapons, including missiles, explosives, and small arms.Yara Bayoumy and Phil Stewart, “Exclusive: Iran steps up weapons supply to Yemen's Houthis via Oman - officials,” Reuters, October 20, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-iran-idUSKCN12K0CX. American intelligence officials have claimed that the Houthis receive considerably less support from Iran than some have alleged.Matthew Rosenberg and Mark Mazzetti, New York Times, “U.S. Ship Off Yemen Fires Missiles at Houthi Rebel Sites,” October 12, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/13/world/middleeast/yemen-rebels-missile-warship.html?_r=0. Nonetheless, on March 28, 2016, the U.S. Navy reportedly intercepted weapons from Iran believed to be headed for Houthi rebels.“U.S. Navy says it seized weapons from Iran likely bound for Houthis in Yemen,” Reuters, April 4, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa-yemen-arms-idUSKCN0X12DB. Among the weapons intercepted were 1,500 AK-47 rifles, 200 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and 21 .50-caliber machine guns, according to Reuters.“U.S. Navy says it seized weapons from Iran likely bound for Houthis in Yemen,” Reuters, April 4, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-usa-yemen-arms-idUSKCN0X12DB.
In January 2019, the U.N.’s Panel of Experts on Yemen reported that they had “traced the supply to the Houthis of unmanned aerial vehicles and a mixing machine for rocket fuel and found that individuals and entities of Iranian origin have funded the purchase.Ahmed Himmiche, Fernando Rosenfeld Carvajal et al, “Letter Dated 25 January 2019 from the Panel of Experts on Yemen Addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council, January 25, 2019, 40, https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2019_83.pdf.
Recruitment:
The Houthis’ primary area of recruitment is the northern provinces of Yemen, its heartland of ideological support.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 30, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. In February 2016, al-Arabiya reported that the group had expanded recruitment beyond its traditional political base by inducing “mercenaries” from African countries.“Yemeni official: Houthis recruiting African fighters,” al-Arabiya, February 29, 2016, http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/02/29/Top-Yemeni-officials-Houthis-recruiting-mercenaries-.html. http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf.
Houthi recruitment efforts inside Yemen have benefitted from the unpopularity of the Yemeni government.Sarah Phillips, “Cracks in the Yemeni System,” Middle East Research and Information Project, July 28, 2005, http://www.merip.org/mero/mero072805; Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 327, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. Since the 2011 uprising that removed President Ali Abdullah Saleh from power, the Houthis have increasingly attracted potential recruits to anti-government public protests in support of the movement.Mohammed Ghobari, Angus McDowall, “Countries backing shaky Yemen transition warn Houthis against violence,” Reuters, August 19, 2014, http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/08/19/yemen-houthis-idINKBN0GJ1IL20140819. In the summer of 2014, the group gained noticeable traction when it protested the Yemeni government’s decision to cut popular fuel subsidies. Houthi-led protests attracted tens of thousands of supporters, including not only Zaidis but also Sunnis, to Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.Mohammed Ghobari, Angus McDowall, “Countries backing shaky Yemen transition warn Houthis against violence,” Reuters, August 19, 2014, http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/08/19/yemen-houthis-idINKBN0GJ1IL20140819.
Since the 1990s, Houthi recruitment has reached out to its target Zaidi audience through social connections and networking, proselytizing through religious sermons, the dissemination of written materials, audio and videotapes, and online recruitment.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 216, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. The Houthis began paramilitary activities in 2004 and began distributing military training videos electronically and in person where possible.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 220, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf.
The Houthis have also revived local Zaidi rituals, including events where potential recruits can socialize with pro-jihadi Houthi militia men, with the intention of encouraging new recruits to join the veterans.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 254, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. A pro-Houthi youth movement called Shabab al-Sumud (Steadfast Youth) has also provided support, including by managing a tent in Maydan Taghayr (Change Square) in 2012 where members of the public could enter and watch pro-Houthi videos.Madeleine Wells, “Yemen’s Houthi movement and the revolution,” Foreign Policy, February 27, 2012, http://foreignpolicy.com/2012/02/27/yemens-houthi-movement-and-the-revolution/.
The group is also active on the Internet, including on YouTube channels where it posts pro-Houthi videos, as well as web forums to promote the Houthi movement.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 219-220, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. The Houthis operate the TV channel Al Masirah,Saeed al Batati, “Violence Erupts in Yemen Capital After Weeks of Rallies,” New York Times, September 9, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/10/world/middleeast/violence-erupts-in-yemen-capital-after-weeks-of-rallies.html. which publishes pro-Houthi videos, including poems and songs.Mohammad Al-Khayat, “Houthi Poetry and Songs: Propaganda, Art or Both?,” Yemen Times (Sanaa), December 4, 2014, http://www.yementimes.com/en/1839/report/4657/Houthi-poetry-and-songs-Propaganda-art-or-both.htm. In 2007, group leader Abdel Malik founded the Al Minbar website,Ahmed Mamdou, “Abdel Malik Al Houthi: the Shiite Thorn on Yemen’s Side,” Al-Bawaba (Amman), http://www.albawabaeg.com/52258. which published press statements, editorials, speeches, videos, and images to promote its message.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 219, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf; Ahmed Mamdouh, “Abdul Malik Al Houthi: The Shiite Thorn on Yemen’s Side,” AlBawaba, March 25, 2015, http://www.albawabaeg.com/52258. The group has also released statements through website Ansar Allah (Supporters of Allah).Madeleine Wells, “Yemen’s Houthi movement and the revolution,” Foreign Policy, February 27, 2012, http://foreignpolicy.com/2012/02/27/yemens-houthi-movement-and-the-revolution/. Houthi officials also maintain Twitter accounts disseminating pro-Houthi material. For example, in May 2016, Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul Salam posted comments accusing the Yemeni government of lying and time-wasting.Mohammed Ghobari, “Yemen officials say peace talks suspended after Houthis seize base,” Reuters, May 1, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0XS0WT.
Training:
The Houthis have historically trained their fighters in Yemen’s mountainous north.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 27, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. The Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has trained Houthis in Yemen and Iranian military leadership is also believed to be present in Yemen to provide strategic military advice.Yara Bayoumy and Mohammed Ghobari, “Iranian support seen crucial for Yemen’s Houthis,” Reuters, December 15, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/15/us-yemen-houthis-iran-insight-idUSKBN0JT17A20141215. In March 2015, Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubair also alleged that Hezbollah operatives were advising the Houthis.Warren Strobel and Mark Hosenball, “Elite Iranian guards training Yemen’s Houthis: U.S. officials,” Reuters, March 27, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/27/us-yemen-security-houthis-iran-idUSKBN0MN2MI20150327. In the same month, Syrian military officials were reportedly present in Yemen assisting the Houthis as well.“Syrian regime coordinates military training with Yemeni Houthis,” ARA News, March 9, 2015, http://aranews.net/2015/03/syrian-regime-coordinates-military-training-with-yemeni-houthis/.
In early 2015, U.S. officials reported that the IRGC’s training of Houthi rebels covered the use of advanced weapons, which the Houthis seized from Yemeni military bases.Warren Strobel and Mark Hosenball, “Elite Iranian guards training Yemen’s Houthis: U.S. officials,” Reuters, March 27, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/27/us-yemen-security-houthis-iran-idUSKBN0MN2MI20150327.
Key Leaders
History
Violent Activities
Violent activity by the Houthis has consisted mainly of armed rebellion against the Yemeni government, leading to clashes with security forces. Thousands have been killed and displaced as a result of the fighting. The Houthis also briefly fought Saudi forces on the northern border in late 2009, and have battled al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) for several years. In October 2016, the rebels took direct action against the United States by conducting a series of failed missile attacks against the U.S. Navy presence in the region.Ryan Browne and Angela Dewan, “US strikes Yemen after missiles launched on warship,” CNN, October 13, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/12/politics/pentagon-us-strikes-hit-radar-sites-in-yemen/. The Houthis had previously kidnapped several American citizens, including a teacher, journalist, humanitarian aid worker.“American English teacher detained in Yemen, officials say,” Fox News, September 22, 2016, http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/09/22/american-english-teacher-detained-in-yemen-officials-say.html; Jay Solomon, U.S. Met Secretly With Yemen Rebels,” Wall Street Journal, June 1, 2015, http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-citizen-held-hostage-in-yemen-released-by-houthi-rebels-1433178829; Houthi Rebels Free 5 Hostages Including 2 Americans, in Yemen,” Voice of America, September 20, 2015, http://www.voanews.com/a/houthi-rebels-free-five-hostages-including-two-americans-in-yemen/2971468.html. U.S. ships are not the only vessels the rebels have targeted. Prior to the attacks on the U.S. Navy, a UAE civilian ship was damaged by Houthi missiles that same month.“Yemen conflict: UAE says Houthis attacked civilian ship,” BBC News, October 5, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37561749. Starting in 2017, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones, and have ramped up strikes in 2019, often targeting Saudi airports and oil fields.Dion Nissenbaum and Warren P. Strobel, “Mideast Insurgents Enter the Age of Drone Warfare,” Wall Street Journal, May 2, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/mideast-insurgents-enter-the-age-of-drone-warfare-11556814441?mod=article_inline; Jared Malsin, “Iran-Allied Houthis Expose Holes in Saudi Arabia’s Missile Defense,” Wall Street Journal, June 25, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-allied-houthis-expose-holes-in-saudi-arabias-missile-defense-11561455002?redirect=amp#click=https://t.co/UFfZ7eqUCa.
- 2003: Hussein al-Houthi opposes Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s cooperation with the United States in its war on terror and invasion of Iraq. He and his supporters later resist arrest by Yemeni forces, provoking conflict.Charles Schmitz, “The Huthi Ascent to Power,” Middle East Institute, September 15, 2014, http://www.mei.edu/content/at/huthi-ascent-power.
- June–August 2004: Fighting breaks out in Yemen’s north between troops and Shiite insurgents led by Hussein al-Houthi. The clashes kill hundreds.“Yemen Profile – Timeline,” BBC News, June 16, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14704951.
- 2004–2010: The Houthis wage a series of insurgencies against the government of Ali Abdullah Saleh.Associated Press, “Shiite Rebels Make New Demands to Yemen,” New York Times, August 25, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/26/world/middleeast/shiite-rebels-make-new-demands-to-yemen.html.
- March–April 2005: Renewed fighting between Yemeni forces and Hussein al-Houthi supporters kills more than 200.“Yemen Profile – Timeline,” BBC News, June 16, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14704951;
“Yemen’s Abd-al-Malik al-Houthi,” BBC Monitoring, October 3, 2014, http://www.bbc.co.uk/monitoring/yemens-abd-almalik-alhouthi. - January–March 2007: Fighting between Yemeni security forces and Houthi rebels in the north kill or wound dozens.“Yemen Profile – Timeline,” BBC News, June 16, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14704951.-al-Malik al-Houthi,” BBC Monitoring, October 3, 2014, http://www.bbc.co.uk/monitoring/yemens-abd-almalik-alhouthi. Houthi rebels threaten Yemen’s Jewish population in Saada, forcing many to relocate to Sanaa.Roee Nahmias, “Yemenite Jews under threat,” Ynetnews, January 22, 2007, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3355506,00.html;
Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 257, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. - January 2008: Fighting renews between the Houthis and Yemeni forces.“Yemen Profile – Timeline,” BBC News, June 16, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14704951.
- April 2008: Men allegedly associated with the Houthi movement destroy a Jewish family’s home.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 257, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf.
- May 2, 2008: A bomb explodes outside a mosque in northern Yemen, killing at least 12 and wounding at least 44.Robert F. Worth, “At Least 12 Killed in Bombing at Yemeni Mosque,” New York Times, May 3, 2008, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/world/middleeast/03yemen.html. Yemeni officials hold Houthi rebels accountable for the attack -- the first attack by the group that deliberately targets civilians.Robert F. Worth, “At Least 12 Killed in Bombing at Yemeni Mosque,” New York Times, May 3, 2008, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/world/middleeast/03yemen.html. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi denies any connection to the bombing.Robert F. Worth, “At Least 12 Killed in Bombing at Yemeni Mosque,” New York Times, May 3, 2008, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/world/middleeast/03yemen.html.
- June 2009: Houthis deny responsibility for the abduction of nine foreigners—three of whom are killed—in Saada region, a stronghold.“Foreigners Kidnapped in Yemen,” Al Jazeera, June 14, 2009, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2009/06/200961453254571859.html. Some media speculate the involvement of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) following the arrest of a supporter accused of financing the group.
- October 2009: Clashes erupt between the Houthis and Saudi security forces along Yemen’s northern border. The Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of supporting the Yemeni government in attacks against them, which the Saudi government denies.“Yemen Profile – Timeline,” BBC News, June 16, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14704951.
- November 3, 2009: Houthi rebels open fire on Saudi border guards, killing two and injuring at least 10.Robert F. Worth, “Yemeni Rebels and Saudis Clash at Border,” New York Times, November 6, 2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/07/world/middleeast/07yemen.html;
Robert F. Worth, “Saudis’ Efforts to Swat Rebels From Yemen Risk Inflaming Larger Conflict,” New York Times, November 12, 2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/13/world/middleeast/13saudi.html. - January–February 2010: More than 130 Saudi soldiers are killed by Houthis in fighting along the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.Robert F. Worth, “Yemen’s Government Agrees to a Cease-Fire With Rebel Forces,” New York Times, February 11, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/12/world/middleeast/12yemen.html.
- July 17, 2010: Houthis kill 11 Yemeni soldiers and government-aligned tribesmen, sparking a heightened wave of violence.“Ministry Says Houthis Killed 11 Including 3 Security in Saada,” Yemen Post, July 17, 2010,
http://www.yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=2414. - December 2010: Yemen says 3,000 soldiers were killed in recent fighting with Houthi rebels.“Yemen Profile – Timeline,” BBC News, June 16, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14704951.
- Late March 2011: Houthis advance on Saada, causing the governor and other officials to flee the city. Houthi rebels install Faris Manna, believed to be the country’s most powerful arms dealer, as governor of the province.Laura Kasinoff and Robert F. Worth, “Factory Explosion Follows Yemeni Forces’ Pullout,” New York Times, March 28, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/world/middleeast/29yemen.html.
- June 1, 2011: Houthis kill five Sunni tribesmen in northern Yemen.Nasser Arrabyee and Robert F. Worth, “Fighting Spreads in Yemen, Raising Fear of Civil War,” New York Times, June 1, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/02/world/middleeast/02yemen.html.
- November–December 2011: Clashes erupt between Houthis and Salafists on the outskirts of Saada.Kareem Fahim, “Yemeni Uprising Opens a Door to Besieged Rebels in the North,” New York Times, December 16, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/17/world/middleeast/yemeni-uprising-opens-a-door-to-besieged-rebels-in-the-north.html.
- October 2013–January 2014: Houthis launch an attack on Salafists in the town of Damaj, resulting in the death of over 100, at least 210 according to a Salafi spokesman.“At Least 55 Die as Rival Sects Clash in Yemen,” New York Times, November 2, 2013, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/world/middleeast/yemen.html;
Reuters, “North Yemen Strife Has Killed at Least 210, Salafis Say,” New York Times, January 13, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2014/01/13/world/middleeast/13reuters-yemen-fighting-death.html. - January 20, 2014: Clashes between Houthis and pro-Salafist Sunnis in the north kill 12. “Clashes Between Rival Sects in Northern Yemen Kill 12,” Reuters, January 20, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/20/us-yemen-fighting-idUSBREA0J0F120140120.
- February 2, 2014: The Houthis, reportedly joined by tribes aligned with former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and attack tribal forces in Amran province.Hakim Almasmari, “Rebels Overrun Tribal Stronghold in Yemen,” CNN, February 2, 2014, http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/02/world/meast/yemen-unrest/.
- February 28, 2014: Houthis attack a security checkpoint after a protest against the government, killing three soldiers and wounding four.“At Least 13 Killed in North Yemen Clashes-Security Source,” Reuters, March 1, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/01/us-yemen-violence-idUSBREA2003J20140301.
- March 6-9, 2014: Fighting erupts between Houthis and Sunni tribesmen, killing at least 40.“At Least 40 Killed in Yemen as Houthi Fighters Near Capital,” Reuters, March 9, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/09/us-yemen-clash-idUSBREA2805920140309. Houthi fighters blow up a religious center in Hamdan on March 9.“At Least 40 Killed in Yemen as Houthi Fighters Near Capital,” Reuters, March 9, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/09/us-yemen-clash-idUSBREA2805920140309.
- March 13, 2014: Houthis attack an army base near Sanaa, killing two soldiers.“Two Yemeni Soldiers Killed as Houthi Fighters Hit Army Base,” New York Times, March 13, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/13/us-yemen-clashes-idUSBREA2C0SI20140313.
- May 2014: Houthis and Sunni tribesmen clash near Sanaa, killing at least 40.“At Least Eight Dead in Fresh Fighting in Yemen-Officials,” Reuters, May 21, 2014, http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/05/21/uk-yemen-violence-idINKBN0E10PK20140521.
- May 20, 2014: Houthis attack Yemeni security outposts near Oman; seven Yemeni soldiers and nine Houthis are killed.“At Least Eight Dead in Fresh Fighting in Yemen-Officials,” Reuters, May 21, 2014, http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/05/21/uk-yemen-violence-idINKBN0E10PK20140521.
- May 29, 2014: Houthis attack a checkpoint and two other locations, killing five tribesmen.Associated Press, “Rebels and Tribesmen Clash in Yemen,” New York Times, May 30, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/31/world/middleeast/rebels-and-tribesmen-clash-in-yemen.html.
- June 18, 2014: Houthi fighters advance toward the capital, clashing with Yemeni forces 25 miles outside of Sanaa.“Yemeni Soldiers Clash With Shi’ite Rebels Near Capital: Official,” Reuters, June 18, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/18/us-yemen-clashes-idUSKBN0ET1EZ20140618.
- July 5, 2014: The cease-fire between the government and the Houthis collapses and Yemen’s air force bombs Houthi fighters in northern Yemen, killing 70 people.“Yemen Bombs Shi’ite Rebels After Truce Collapses, 70 Killed,” Reuters, July 5, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/05/us-yemen-houthis-idUSKBN0FA0BU20140705.
- July 8, 2014: At least 100 are killed and 150 wounded as the Houthis capture Omran.“Yemeni Shi'ites Capture City After Fighting Kills 200,” Reuters, July 8, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/08/us-yemen-houthis-omran-idUSKBN0FD1IN20140708;
“Yemen Army Continues Fight in North and Is Attacked in South,” Reuters, July 6, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/06/us-yemen-houthis-idUSKBN0FB0DF20140706. - August 30, 2014: Houthis kill at least ten soldiers and local militia fighters in clashes.“At Least Ten Dead in Clashes as Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Try to Seize Key Road,” New York Times, August 30, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/30/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0GU0I220140830.
- September 20, 2014: The Houthis shell the official state television building, setting it ablaze and ultimately capturing it.Shuaib Almosawa, “U.N. Reports Yemen Deal With Rebels,” New York Times, September 20, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/world/middleeast/peace-talks-with-rebels-falter-in-yemen.html. Sanaa residents claim that Houthis control several other government sites, including the prime minister’s buildings and an army command center.“Houthi Rebels Sign Deal with Yemen Parties to Form New Government,” Reuters, September 21, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/21/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0HG04T20140921.
- December 2014: Yemeni and Iranian officials claim that Iran is supplying Houthi rebels with weapons, money, and training.Yara Bayoumy and Mohammed Ghobari, “Iranian support seen crucial for Yemen’s Houthis,” Reuters, December 15, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/15/us-yemen-houthis-iran-insight-idUSKBN0JT17A20141215.
- December 13, 2014: AQAP militants kill at least 30 Houthi fighters as they battle for control of the city of Radaa.“Houthis suffer losses in battle for Radaa,” Al Jazeera, December 13, 2014, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/houthis-suffer-losses-battle-radaa-20141213112213101366.html.
- February 2015: The Houthis seize power and announce that a transitional five-member presidential council will replace President Hadi, drawing protest from the U.N. Security Council.“Yemen's Houthis form own government in Sanaa,” Al Jazeera, February 6, 2015, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/02/yemen-houthi-rebels-announce-presidential-council-150206122736448.html.
- March 19, 2015: Warplanes target the president’s palace in Aden, where President Hadi had sought refuge since fleeing Sanaa.Agence France-Presse, “Yemen president flees palace after jet attack,” Yahoo News, March 19, 2015, http://news.yahoo.com/yemen-president-evacuated-air-raid-targets-palace-142034589.html.
- April 2, 2015: Houthi fighters take control of Aden’s central Crater neighborhood and fight their way into a presidential residence nearby.Mohammed Mukhashaf, “Yemen’s Houthis Seize Central Aden District, Presidential Site,” Reuters, April 2, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/03/us-yemen-security-aden-idUSKBN0MT0G820150403.
- May 12-14, 2015: The Houthis accept a five-day humanitarian cease-fire, but are accused of violating the truce within 24 hours.“Houthis Accused of Violating Yemen’s Ceasefire,” Al Jazeera, May 14, 2015, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/houthis-accused-violating-yemen-ceasefire-150514080337429.html.
- May 29, 2015: The Houthis continue to battle for control of Aden.“Fighters battle Houthis in Yemen's southern city of Aden,” Reuters, May 29, 2015, http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/05/29/uk-yemen-security-idUKKBN0OE0ZW20150529. They detain at least four Americans in the country’s capital.Kareem Fahim, “U.S. Citizens Held in Yemen by Houthis,” New York Times, May 31, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/01/world/middleeast/us-citizens-held-in-yemen-by-houthis.html?_r=0.
- June 1, 2015: The Houthis release one American detainee, Casey Coombs. At least three other Americans are still being held captive by the Houthis.Elise Labott and Khushbu Shah, “One American held in Yemen released,” CNN, June 2, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/01/politics/yemen-four-americans-held-houthis/.
- June 6, 2015: Houthi rebels fire a Scud missile into Saudi Arabia from Yemen in apparent retaliation for two months of Saudi and coalition airstrikes. Abdullah al-Shihri, “Houthi rebels fire Scud missile from Yemen into Saudi Arabia,” Washington Post, June 6, 2015, http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/houthi-rebels-fire-scud-missile-from-yemen-into-saudi-arabia/2015/06/06/00e39c44-0c89-11e5-a7ad-b430fc1d3f5c_story.html.
- December 1, 2015: Houthis attempt and fail to seize Saudi territory near the border with Yemen.“Dozens of Houthis killed in Najran misadventure,” Arab News, December 1, 2015, http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/843751.
- December 14, 2015: In one of the deadliest attacks to date, Houthis launch a missile into Taez province, killing at least 146 people.Nabih Bulos and Zaid al-Alayaa, “In Yemen, Houthi rebel missile strike kills dozens in Saudi-led force,” Los Angeles Times, December 14, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-yemen-attack-20151215-story.html.
- December 18-22, 2015: Houthi rebels fire four rockets into Saudi territory. Three are shot down, though one hits a desert area east of Najran city on December 18.“Saudi forces warn of harsh response to latest Houthi rocket attack,” Middle East Eye, December 22, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-forces-warn-harsh-response-latest-houthi-rocket-attack-2075951606.
- December 25, 2015: Houthi rebels launch a failed attack on Yemeni forces stationed near Jabal Al Salb.“Yemen loyalists inflict heavy losses on rebels in Sanaa,” The National, updated December 26, 2015, http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/yemen-loyalists-inflict-heavy-losses-on-rebels-in-sanaa.
- January 7, 2016: Houthi forces repel a Saudi Arabian attack at Tawwal border-crossing, killing an estimated 40-60 Saudi troops.Leith Fadel, “Saudi casualties mount as Houthis repel border attack,” AlMasdar News, January 7, 2016, https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/saudi-casualties-mount-as-the-houthis-repel-the-border-attack/.
- May 2016 – July 2016: Houthi forces attack Saudi and Yemeni targets along the Yemen border and across the Yemen-Saudi border, collectively killing at least 40 individuals. On May 1, Houthi rebels attack and seize a Saudi military base north of the capital of Sanaa, killing several soldiers guarding the base.Mohammed Ghobari, “Yemen officials say peace talks suspended after Houthis seize base,” Reuters, May 1, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0XS0WT. On May 8, Houthi rebels conduct a failed missile attack across the Saudi border, violating a truce agreement. Saudi forces intercept the missile and do not retaliate to maintain the truce.“Saudi intercepts missile from Yemen but truce holds,” Reuters, May 9, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi-idUSKCN0Y021U. Later that month, Houthi rebels and Arab coalition forces clash in southern Yemen, killing 48 individuals, including 28 rebels and 20 coalition soldiers.“Houthi-government clashes leave 48 dead in southern Yemen, military says,” Middle East Eye, May 29, 2016, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/south-yemen-houthi-government-clashes-kill-48-military-says-327247643. On June 3, Houthi rebels launched rockets at the western city of Taiz, killing at least 17 civilians, including 10 women and a girl, in a busy marketplace.“17 civilians killed by Houthi rocket fire on market in Taiz,” Saudi Gazette, June 5, 2016, http://saudigazette.com.sa/world/mena/17-civilians-killed-houthi-rocket-fire-market-taiz/. During the first week of July, Houthi militants fire a missile towards the southern Saudi city of Abha. Saudi forces intercept the missile, leaving no casualties.“Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi ballistic missile fired into kingdom,” The New Arab, July 4, 2016, https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/7/4/saudi-arabia-intercepts-houthi-ballistic-missile-fired-into-kingdom. They also fire a rocket into Yemen’s border town of Marib, killing seven children and wounding 25 other civilians. “Houthi rockets kill seen children in Yemen’s Marib,” The New Arab, July 6, 2016, https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/7/5/houthi-rockets-kill-seven-children-in-yemens-marib. On July 25, Houthi forces launch a ballistic missile into the Saudi Ahad Al-Masarihah Military Camp along the Yemen border, destroying several armored vehicles and killing a large number of soldiers.Leith Fadel, “Houthi forces launch first ballistic missile into Saudi Arabia,” Al Masdar News, July 25, 2016, https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/houthi-forces-launch-first-ballistic-missile-saudi-arabia/.
- July 28, 2016 - August 3, 2016: Houthi militants abduct and murder four tribal sheikhs from Yemen’s Al Bayda province. The bodies display evidence of torture before they were each shot in the head.Mohammed Al Qalisi, “Bodies found of Yemeni tribal leaders abducted by Houthis,” The National, August 3, 2016, http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/bodies-found-of-yemeni-tribal-leaders-abducted-by-houthis.
- August 2016 – September 2016: Houthi forces continue to launch missiles into Saudi Arabia and continue to clash with Saudi and Arab coalition forces along the Saudi-Yemen border. On August 2, UAE forces foil a Houthi forces offensive attempting to recapture strategic locations in Yemen’s southcentral province of Shabwa, killing 30 militants.Saeed Al Batati, “42 killed in foiled Al Houthi attack in southern Yemen,” Gulf News, August 2, 2016, http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/42-killed-in-foiled-al-houthi-attack-in-southern-yemen-1.1872615. On August 10, Houthi forces launch two intercepted missiles targeting the southern Saudi city of Abha in a failed attack.“Saudi Arabia intercepts two Houthi ballistic missiles,” The New Arab, August 10, 2016, https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/8/10/saudi-arabia-intercepts-two-houthi-ballistic-missiles. The next day, Saudi forces kill Iranian-backed Houthi leader Saleh al-Houthi Mouawad Kibsi and 40 other Houthi militants near the kingdom’s southwestern border with Yemen.“Houthi leader, 40 militias killed near Saudi border,” Al-Arabiya, August 11, 2016, http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/08/11/Houthi-leader-40-militias-killed-near-Saudi-border-.html. Throughout the rest of the month and into September, Houthi forces continue to launch missiles into Saudi Arabia’s southern provinces, killing at least 10 civilians.“Houthi shelling kills civilians in Saudi border city,” Al Jazeera, August 17, 2016, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/houthi-shelling-kills-civilians-saudi-border-city-160816194418112.html; “Yemen’s Houthi Forces Claim Missile Hit On Saudi Aramco Oil Facilities,” Yahoo Finance, August 26, 2016, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/yemen-houthi-forces-claim-missile-152436575.html; “Three-year-old killed in cross-border Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia,” The New Arab, August 28, 2016, https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/8/27/three-year-old-killed-in-cross-border-houthi-attack-on-saudi-arabia; “Yemen Houthi Rocket Attack Kills Two Girls in Saudi Arabia,” Wall Street Journal, August 28, 2016, http://www.wsj.com/articles/yemen-houthi-rocket-attack-kills-two-girls-in-saudi-arabia-1472415740. On September 4, Houthi rebels attack the Saudi border towns of Midi and Haradh, killing between 40 and 50 individuals, including government soldiers.“Dozens killed in Houthi assault close to Saudi border,” The New Arab, September 5, 2016, https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/9/5/dozens-killed-in-houthi-assault-close-to-saudi-border. A week later, Houthi rebels claim they captured a Saudi military post in the border region of Jizan. The Saudi military denies these claims.“Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Claim They Captured post Inside Saudi Arabia,” Associated Press, September 16, 2016, http://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/1.742235.
- September 21, 2016: Suspected Houthi rebels in the Island of Hanish and Zagar attack the Eritrean international airport and Navy headquarters in Assab, a port city in the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea. The mortar attack causes damage to the sites.“Yemen’s Houthi forces attack Eritrea’s Airport, Navy base: rebels,” Sudan Tribune, September 22, 2016, http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article60311.
- September 24, 2016: Arab coalition forces kill head of Houthi Special Forces Major-General Hassan Almalsi while he and a squad of Houthi fighters were attempting to infiltrate Saudi Arabia’s southern province of Najran.“Coalition forces kill Houthi general on Saudi-Yemen border: sources,” Reuters, September 24, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-general-idUSKCN11U0KG.
- October 9, 2016 – October 13, 2016: Houthis are believed to be behind a series of attacks against the U.S. Navy, leading the United States to engage the rebels directly for the first time since the crisis began launching counter-attacks in Houthi-held areas. On October 9, suspected Houthi rebels fire a pair of missiles in a failed attack on the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.Courtney Kube and Phil Helsel, “U.S. Launches Strikes in Yemen After Missiles Aimed at American Ships,” NBC News, October 13, 2016, http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-launches-strikes-in-yemen-after-missiles-aimed-at-american-ships/ar-AAiT7zO?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp. On October 12, the Houthis are allegedly behind another failed missile attack on the Mason. The U.S. Navy launches Tomahawk cruise missiles against Houthi-controlled radar sites along the Yemeni coast.Courtney Kube and Phil Helsel, “U.S. Launches Strikes in Yemen After Missiles Aimed at American Ships,” NBC News, October 13, 2016, http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-launches-strikes-in-yemen-after-missiles-aimed-at-american-ships/ar-AAiT7zO?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp;
Phil Stewart, “U.S. military strikes Yemen after missile attacks on U.S. Navy ship,” Reuters, October 13, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-missiles-idUSKCN12C294. - October 27, 2016: Houthis launch a ballistic missile toward the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, according to a statement by the Saudi-led coalition. Houthis confirm that they had launched a missile into Saudi Arabia but claim that they had been aiming for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.“Yemen's Houthis launch missile toward Saudi holy city, coalition says,” Reuters, October 28, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-missiles-idUSKCN12S016.
- November 19, 2016: The Houthis are accused by a Saudi general of launching a ballistic missile at the eastern Saudi province of Marib, in violation of a cease-fire.“Houthi missile and Saudi-led air strikes strain Yemen truce,” Reuters, November 19, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-ceasefire-idUSKBN13E05D.
- January 30, 2017: Houthis attack a Saudi ship off the coast of Yemen, allegedly ramming into the ship and causing an explosion, killing two crew members and injuring three. Separately, the group launches a ballistic missile on a Saudi military base on the Red Sea island of Zuqar. Rockets also hit and damage U.N. offices in southern Saudi Arabia in an attack Saudi Arabia attributed to Houthis.“Yemen's Houthis attack Saudi ship, launch ballistic missile,” Reuters, January 31, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi-idUSKBN15E2KE;
Ahmed al-Haj, “Saudi Arabia says Yemen Rebel Boat Rams Frigate in Red Sea,” Associated Press, January 30, 2017, http://staging.hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_YEMEN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-01-30-17-19-24;
“Rockets hit U.N. Yemen ceasefire office in Saudi Arabia,” Reuters, January 30, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-security-yemen-idUSKBN15E1LZ. - December 2-4, 2017: On December 2, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh offers to “turn a new page” with the Saudi-led coalition fighting against Houthi forces if the Saudis end their month-long blockade of the country. Saleh’s supporters had until then fought alongside Houthi rebels, but the Houthis view Saleh’s offer as a betrayal and fighting breaks out between the rebels and Saleh’s loyalists. At least 125 people are killed and 238 are wounded in the fighting. On December 4, Houthi forces stop Saleh at a checkpoint as he is trying to leave Sanaa and kill the former president. The Houthi-controlled Interior Ministry announces Saleh’s death later in the day. Saleh’s General People’s Congress party confirms he was killed by a sniper. Houthi forces also announce that they had blown up Saleh’s home in Sanaa.Hakim Almasmari, Tamara Qiblawi, and Hilary Clarke, “Yemen's former President Ali Abdullah Saleh killed trying to flee Sanaa,” CNN, December 4, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/04/middleeast/yemen-former-president-ali-abdullah-saleh-killed-intl/index.html; “Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen's former leader, killed in Sanaa,” BBC News, December 4, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42225574; Marwan Bishara, “Analysis: Yemen's ex-president Saleh's killing was ‘revenge,’” Al Jazeera, December 4, 2017, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/analysis-yemens-ex-president-salehs-killing-revenge-171204135213663.html; Faisal Edroos, “How did Yemen's Houthi-Saleh alliance collapse?” Al Jazeera, December 4, 2017, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/yemen-houthi-saleh-alliance-collapse-171204070831956.html; Sami Aboudi and Noah Browning, “Exiled son of Yemen's Saleh takes up anti-Houthi cause,” Reuters, December 4, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security/exiled-son-of-yemens-saleh-takes-up-anti-houthi-cause-idUSKBN1DY12V?il=0.
- December 19, 2017: The Houthis target Al Yamama royal palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a missile. Saudi forces says it intercepted the missile.“Saudi forces intercept Riyadh-bound Houthi missile,” Al Jazeera, December 19, 2017, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/saudi-led-forces-intercept-riyadh-bound-houthi-missile-171219111554679.html.
- January 8, 2018: The Houthis release a video that they claim shows the rebels shooting down a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15S over Yemen. Saudi Arabia confirms the crash but says it is due to “technical errors.”Tyler Rogoway and Josheph Trevithick, “Houthi Rebels Release FLIR Video Showing Shoot Down of Saudi F-15S Over Yemen (Updated),” The Drive, January 8, 2018, http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/17486/houthi-rebels-release-flir-video-showing-shoot-down-of-saudi-f-15s.
- January 30, 2018: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Airport.“Yemen's Houthis attack Saudi airport by firing ballistic missile,” Xinhua, January 30, 3018, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/30/c_136936470.htm.
- March 25, 2018: Houthi rebels fire seven modified scud missiles at Saudi Arabia. Four missiles target air defense and military bases in the cities of Abha, Jizan, and Najran. Three missiles target Riyadh, killing one civilian.“Why did the Houthis attack Riyadh?,” Al Jazeera, March 29, 2018, https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/houthis-attack-saudi-arabia-riyadh-180329111527303.html.
- April 3, 2018: The Houthis claim to damage a coalition warship near Hodeidah while Saudi Arabia claims the group targeted an oil tanker, causing only minor damage to the ship.Sami Aboudey and Stephanie Nebehay, “Saudi oil tanker hit in Houthi attack off Yemen: coalition,” Reuters, April 3, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-attack/saudi-oil-tanker-hit-in-houthi-attack-off-yemen-coalition-idUSKCN1HA1RT.
- April 11, 2018: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and claim to conduct a drone attack on a Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Jizan province.“Yemen's Houthi rebels fire ballistic missile at Saudi capital,” Al Jazeera, April 11, 2018, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/yemen-houthi-rebels-fire-ballistic-missile-saudi-capital-180411153418562.html; “Yemen’s Houthis say launched drone attack on Saudi Aramco facility,” CNBC, April 11, 2018, https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/11/saudi-aramco-says-jizan-facilities-safe-after-houthis-claim-attack.html.
- April 28, 2018: The Houthis launch eight ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province. Four missiles are intercepted and one Saudi national is killed.“Yemen strike kills 38 Houthis including two commanders: Saudi TV,” Al Jazeera, April 28, 2018, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/strike-kills-38-yemen-houtis-including-commanders-saudi-tv-180428070817220.html.
- May 9, 2018: The Houthis fire multiple missiles at Riyadh targeting “economic centers.” At least four blasts are heard throughout the city.Sarah Dadouch and Noah Browning, “Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen fire missiles at Saudi capital,” Reuters, May 9, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-security/iran-aligned-houthis-in-yemen-fire-missiles-at-saudi-capital-idUSKBN1IA100.
- May 10, 2018: The Houthis are suspected of targeting and damaging a Turkish cargo ship delivering 50,000 tons of wheat to the Yemeni port of Salif.Jonathan Saul, “Ship carrying wheat to Yemen hit by missile: EU navy force,” Reuters, May 23, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-shipping/ship-carrying-wheat-to-yemen-hit-by-missile-eu-navy-force-idUSKCN1IO2T0.
- June 10, 2018: The Houthis launch a missile at Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province, killing three civilians.“Saudi Arabia: Houthi missile attack kills three in Jizan,” Al Jazeera, June 10, 2018, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/06/saudi-arabia-houthi-missile-attack-kills-jizan-180610063557173.html.
- June 13, 2018: The Houthis strike a UAE naval vessel with two missiles near Hodeidah. The attack occurs during a Saudi-led operation to recapture the port city.“UAE Navy vessel on fire after Houthi attack off Yemen,” Naval Today, June 14, 2018, https://navaltoday.com/2018/06/14/uae-navy-vessel-on-fire-after-houthi-attack-off-yemen/.
- July 18, 2018: The Houthis claim to have attacked a Saudi Aramco refinery in Riyadh with a drone. The oil company denies this claim, stating that the fire at the facility was caused by “an operational incident.”“Yemen’s Houthis say they attacked Aramco refinery in Riyadh with drone,” Reuters, July 18, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-aramco/yemens-houthis-say-they-attacked-aramco-refinery-in-riyadh-with-drone-idUSKBN1K8262.
- July 25, 2018: The Houthis slightly damage a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea.“Houthi fighters attack Saudi ship off Yemen's coast,” Al Jazeera, July 25, 2018, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/houthi-fighters-attack-saudi-ship-yemen-coast-180725180437447.html.
- August 4, 2018: The Houthis claim to conduct a drone attack against a Saudi military base in the country’s Asir province.“Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim drone attacks on Saudi military base,” Xinhua, August 4, 2018, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-08/04/c_137368289.htm.
- August 6, 2018: Houthi rebels launch a missile at the Saudi city of Najran. The missile is intercepted by Saudi air defense systems and no casualties are reported.“One killed and 11 wounded in Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia,” The National, August 9, 2018, https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/one-killed-and-11-wounded-in-houthi-missile-attack-on-saudi-arabia-1.758276.
- August 9, 2018: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at the Saudi city of Jizan, killing one civilian and wounding 11 others.“One killed and 11 wounded in Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia,” The National, August 9, 2018, https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/one-killed-and-11-wounded-in-houthi-missile-attack-on-saudi-arabia-1.758276.
- August 27, 2018: The Houthis claim to target a UAE airport with a drone. The UAE denies the attack occurred and there is no evidence of any damage to the facility.“UAE denies report of Houthi drone attack on Dubai airport,” Reuters, August 27, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emirates-security/uae-denies-report-of-houthi-drone-attack-on-dubai-airport-idUSKCN1LC1YQ.
- September 4, 2018: The Houthis claim a missile attack on an Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province.Irina Slav, “Houthis Claim Successful Attack On Aramco Oil Facility,” Oil Price, September 4, 2018, https://oilprice.com/Geopolitics/Middle-East/Houthis-Claim-Successful-Attack-On-Aramco-Oil-Facility.html.
- September 5, 2018: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at the Saudi city of Najran. Twenty-six people are wounded by shrapnel when the missile is intercepted by Saudi defense systems.“Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile, 26 wounded by shrapnel,” Reuters, September 5, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi/saudi-arabia-intercepts-houthi-missile-26-wounded-by-shrapnel-idUSKCN1LM00N.
- September 15, 2018: Saudi Arabia intercepts a Houthi missile targeting Jizan, Saudi Arabia.“Saudi says it destroyed missile Houthis fired at Jizan province,” Reuters, September 15, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-yemen-security/saudi-says-it-destroyed-missile-houthis-fired-at-jizan-province-idUSKCN1LV0MC.
- September 20, 2018: Saudi Arabia intercepts two Houthi-controlled boats laden with explosives outside of the Saudi port of Jizan.“Saudi-led coalition foils Houthi attack on Jizan port: SPA,” Reuters, September 30, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-attacks/saudi-led-coalition-foils-houthi-attack-on-jizan-port-spa-idUSKCN1MA0WY.
- October 5, 2018: Houthi forces fire three shells at an IDP camp in Hodeidah, killing one woman and injuring others.“Woman killed, 11 injured in Houthi attack on KSRelief camp in Yemen,” Arab News, October 5, 2018, http://www.arabnews.com/node/1382971/saudi-arabia.
- December 7, 2018: An Associated Press report accuses the Houthis of carrying out rampant detention and torture of political opponents in areas under its control.Maggie Michael, “Ex-inmates: Torture rife in prisons run by Yemen rebels,” Associated Press, December 7, 2018, https://www.apnews.com/e32442a4c8c24acd9d362c433d5cd10e.
- January 5, 2019: Houthi forces kill two civilians and wound 16 others when they shell the 7th July neighborhood of Taiz.Mohammed Al-Rumim, “'This is how we welcomed 2019': Civilians killed in Houthi attack,” Al-Jazeera, January 6, 2019, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/welcomed-2019-civilians-killed-houthi-attack-190106141240211.html.
- January 10, 2019: Houthi forces target a Yemeni military parade with a drone, killing five and wounding twenty soldiers, including the Yemeni army’s chief of staff who would later die of his wounds.Mohammed al-Kibsi, “Houthi drone targets senior Yemeni officers, kills five soldiers,” Al-Jazeera, sJanuary 10, 2019, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/houthi-drone-attack-hits-military-base-yemen-reports-190110071518307.html; “Yemen government, Houthi rebels meet on UN ship to discuss truce,” Al-Jazeera, February 3, 2019, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/yemen-government-houthi-rebels-meet-ship-discuss-truce-190203140748595.html.
- February 17, 2019: Houthi forces launch several attacks across Yemen’s northern border killing nine Saudi soldiers in the provinces of Aseer, Jazan, and Najran.Priyanka Gupta, “Yemen's Houthi forces kill Saudi soldiers in combat,” Al-Jazeera, February 17, 2019, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/yemens-houthi-forces-kill-saudi-soldiers-combat-190217123515892.html.
- March 11, 2019: After weeks of intense fighting, Houthi forces seize several besieged villages in northern Yemen. Pro-government media outlets accuse the Houthis of killing 62 civilians and displacing 268 families. The Houthis blame the Saudi-backed coalition for some of the civilian deaths.Ali Mahmoud, “Yemen’s Houthis take villages vital to the northern front,” The National, March 11, 2019, https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/yemen-s-houthis-take-villages-vital-to-the-northern-front-1.835769; “Houthi Rebels, Saudis Trade Blame Over Deaths of 20 Civilians in Northern Yemen,” VOA News, March 11, 2019, https://www.voanews.com/a/twenty-civilians-killed-in-village-in-northern-yemen/4824587.html.
- May 14, 2019: The Houthis carry out several drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.Vivian Yee, “Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Attack Saudi Oil Facilities, Escalating Tensions in Gulf,” New York Times, May 14, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/14/world/middleeast/saudi-oil-attack.html.
- May 15, 2019: Fighting resumes between the Houthis and pro-government forces in Hodeidah, threatening the cease-fire there.Patrick Wintour and Bethan McKernan, “Yemen: Ceasefire Broken as Fresh Fighting Breaks Out in Hodeidah,” May 15, 2019, Guardian (London), https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/15/yemen-ceasefire-broken-as-fresh-fighting-breaks-out-in-hodeidah.
- May 20, 2019: The Houthis launch two ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government says it intercepted the missiles over Mecca province.“Saudi Arabia Says It Intercepted Houthi Missiles in Mecca Province,” Reuters, May 20, 2019, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2019-05-20/saudi-air-defense-intercepts-two-houthi-missiles-in-mecca-province-saudi-embassy.
- May 21, 2019: The Houthis attack an airport in the Saudi city of Najran with a bomb-laden drone.“Houthis Attack Saudi Airport with Bomb-laden Drone,” National (Abu Dhabi), May 21, 2019, https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/houthis-attack-saudi-airport-with-bomb-laden-drone-1.864110.
- June 11, 2019: The Houthis launch two drones at the southwest Saudi city of Khamis Mushait.“Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Launch Attack Drones into Saudi Arabia,” Associated Press, June 11, 2019, https://www.apnews.com/96d56129049246819349bb308d44ad99.
- June 12, 2019: The Houthis successfully strike Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport with a cruise missile, injuring a reported 26.Natasha Turak, “Saudi Airport Hit by Cruise Missile, Yemen’s Houthis Claim Responsibility,” CNBC, June 12, 2019, https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/12/saudi-airport-hit-by-cruise-missile-yemens-houthis-claim.html.
- June 19, 2019: A Houthi-launched projectile hits a power-transformer station near a desalination plant in Saudi Arabia.Stephen Kalin, “Yemen’s Houthis Strike Saudi Utility Station, Coalition Responds,” Reuters, June 19, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi-powerstation/yemens-houthis-launch-strike-on-saudi-utility-station-no-damage-idUSKCN1TK2WQ.
- June 23, 2019: The Houthis successfully strike Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport with a cruise missile, killing one.“Yemen's Houthi Rebels Strike Saudi Airport,” Deutsche Welle, June 23, 2019, https://www.dw.com/en/yemens-houthi-rebels-strike-saudi-airport/a-49326453-0.
- July 2, 2019: The Houthis again strike Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport, this time with a drone, injuring nine.Sudarsan Raghavan, “Yemeni Drone Strikes Saudi Airport,” Washington Post, July 2, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/yemeni-drone-strikes-saudi-airport-injuring-9/2019/07/02/a9cf1c3e-9c9a-11e9-a1fc-7337aeb9179e_story.html?utm_term=.e756cc9c5da3.
- July 6, 2019: Houthi forces carry out drone attacks on military sites at the Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia. Earlier that day, Houthis also claim targeting warplane hangars and other military sites in Saudi Jizan airport.“Yemen's Houthis attack Saudi Abha Airport: Al-Masirah TV,” Reuters, July 6, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi/yemens-houthis-attack-saudi-abha-airport-al-masirah-tv-idUSKCN1U10JY.
- July 15, 2019: The Saudi-led coalition intercepts and downs three Houthi drones that were launched towards the southwestern Saudi cities of Jizan and Abha.“Yemen's Houthis say launched drone attack on Saudi's Jizan airport,” Reuters, July 17, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/yemen-security-saudi/yemens-houthis-say-launched-drone-attack-on-saudis-jizan-airport-idUSD5N23U041.
- July 16, 2019: Houthi forces launch a drone attack on Jizan airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia.“Yemen's Houthis say launched drone attack on Saudi's Jizan airport,” Reuters, July 17, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/yemen-security-saudi/yemens-houthis-say-launched-drone-attack-on-saudis-jizan-airport-idUSD5N23U041.
- July 20, 2019: Saudi-coalition fighter jets take out at least five Houthi air defense sites around Sanaa.Edward Yeranian, “Saudi Coalition Says it Destroyed Houthi Ballistic Missiles Around Yemeni Capital,” Voice of America, July 20, 2019, https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/saudi-coalition-says-it-destroyed-houthi-ballistic-missiles-around-yemeni-capital.
- July 28, 2019: Houthi forces launch indiscriminate attacks in the Al-Rawdhah neighborhood of Taiz. The attack kills one child and injures three others.“Intensified Al Qaeda and ISIL activity in Yemen ‘deeply worrying’, says UN Human Rights Office,” United Nations, August 6, 2019, https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/08/1043801.
- July 29, 2019: The Saudi-coalition launches an airstrike on a market in northern Yemen, killing 14 people and wounding more than 26 others. The attack is a response to a Houthi drone attack on a Saudi airbase.“Intensified Al Qaeda and ISIL activity in Yemen ‘deeply worrying’, says UN Human Rights Office,” United Nations, August 6, 2019, https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/08/1043801.; “Saudi Airstrike on Yemeni Market Kills 10,” Voice of America, July 29, 2019, https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/saudi-airstrike-yemeni-market-kills-10.
- August 1, 2019: Houthi rebels initiate twin attacks in the city of Aden. Suicide bombers blast a police station in one neighborhood while the rebels fire a missile at a military parade of UAE-trained militia. At least 51 people are killed in the attacks.Kareem Fahim, “Missile fired by Yemen rebels kills dozens of soldiers in port city of Aden,” Washington Post, August 1, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/missile-fired-by-yemen-rebels-kills-dozens-of-soldiers-in-port-city-of-aden/2019/08/01/0f1412fc-b433-11e9-acc8-1d847bacca73_story.html.
- August 5, 2019: Houthi forces launch drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid Air Base and Abha and Najran airports.“Yemen: Houthis launch drone attacks on Saudi airports, airbase,” Al Jazeera, August 14, 2019, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/yemen-houthis-launch-drone-attacks-saudi-airports-airbase-190805105248712.html.
- August 13, 2019: Yemen’s Houthi movement launches drone attacks on the airport of Abha in southwest Saudi Arabia.“Yemen's Houthis launch drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's Abha airport - Masirah TV,” Reuters, August 13, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/yemen-security-abha/yemens-houthis-launch-drone-attacks-on-saudi-arabias-abha-airport-masirah-tv-idUSB2N22D02D.
- August 16, 2019: The Houthis launch drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha international airport, halting air traffic. The Saudi-led coalition reports that the drone was intercepted and shot down.“Houthis say they launched drone attacks on a Saudi airport; Saudi TV says drone intercepted,” Reuters, August 16, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-saudi-abha-drones/houthis-say-they-launched-drone-attacks-on-a-saudi-airport-saudi-tv-says-drone-intercepted-idUSKCN1V61PT.
- August 17, 2019: Houthi rebels deploy 10 drones to strike Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah oil field, one of the kingdom’s largest. There are no injuries and no disruption to the field’s production.Sune Engel Rasmussen, “Iran-Aligned Houthis Strike Major Saudi Oil Field,” Wall Street Journal, August 17, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-aligned-houthis-strike-major-saudi-oilfield-11566043672.
- August 19, 2019: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile on a military parade in the province of Marib. Official numbers have not been reported, but the attack kills and wounds dozens of soldiers.“Yemen's Houthis fire ballistic missile at military parade in gov't-controlled Marib,” Xinhua, August 19, 2019, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-08/19/c_138321115.htm.
- August 21, 2019: Houthi rebels shoot down a U.S. drone with an air missile. The U.S. suspects the missile to be provided by Iran although the Houthis claim the weapon was developed locally.Barbara Starr and Zachary Cohen, “US blames Iran after drone is downed in Yemen,” CNN, August 21, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/21/politics/us-drone-yemen/index.html.
- August 22, 2019: Houthi forces launch two drones towards the city of Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia. Saudi forces intercept and down the two drones.Aarti Nagraj, “Saudi forces intercept two Houthi drones targeting kingdom,” Gulf Business, August 22, 2019, https://gulfbusiness.com/saudi-forces-intercept-two-houthi-drones-targeting-kingdom/.
- August 25, 2019: Houthi rebels fire 10 ballistic missiles at Jizan airport in southwest Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition intercepts and destroys at least six of the missiles. It is unreported if there were any casualties in the attack. That same day, the Arab military coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen intercept and down a drone that the rebels claim they launched in the direction of a Saudi airbase. A Houthi military spokesperson cited by the group’s Al Masirah TV earlier said the group had launched drones targeting the control towers of the Abha airport and the Khamis Mushait airbase, both in the southwest of the kingdom.“Houthis 'fire 10 ballistic missiles' at Saudi airport,” Al Jazeera, August 25, 2019, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/houthis-fire-10-ballistic-missiles-saudi-airport-190825200633019.html.; “Arab coalition says downs Houthi drone fired at airbase,” Daily Star, August 25, 2019, https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2019/Aug-25/490323-yemens-houthis-attack-saudi-airport-air-base-with-drones-al-masirah-tv.ashx.
- August 26, 2019: Houthi rebels launch armed drones at a “military target” in Riyadh. It is unreported if there are any casualties or injuries.“Yemen Houthis say they attacked military target in Saudi capital,” Reuters, August 26, 2019, https://uk.reuters.com/article/yemen-security-attacks/yemen-houthis-say-they-attacked-military-target-in-saudi-capital-idUKB2N22D02L.
- August 27, 2019: Saudi-led coalition forces intercept and down a Houthi drone launched toward the kingdom from Yemen. Houthi’s Al Masirah TV does not announce the attack. Also on the 27th, Houthi rebels conduct a large-scale attack in Saada. As many as 25 soldiers of the Saudi-backed government forces are killed and an unreported number are injured.“Saudi-led coalition downed a Houthi drone fired at the kingdom: statement,” Reuters, August 27, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-security-yemen-drones/saudi-led-coalition-downed-a-houthi-drone-fired-at-the-kingdom-statement-idUSKCN1VH0BK.; “25 soldiers killed in Houthi attack on gov't forces in northern Yemen,” Xinhua, August 28, 2019, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-08/28/c_138343392.htm.
- August 28, 2019: Houthi rebels launch a cruise missile towards Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport. Yahya Saria, the group’s military spokesman, confirms Houthi responsibility for the attack. The missile targeted plane hangars and led to air traffic being halted in the airport. No casualties or injuries are reported. Also that day, the Houthis launch armed drones on “military targets” in the Saudi regions of Jizan and Najran.“Yemen's Houthis attack Saudi Arabia's Abha airport –spokesman,” Reuters, August 28, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/yemen-security-abha/yemens-houthis-attack-saudi-arabias-abha-airport-spokesman-idUSL5N25O6S0.
- September 1, 2019: The Saudi-led military coalition launch airstrikes in southwest Yemen, eventually hitting a prison complex. The Sunni Muslim coalition says it destroyed a site storing drones and missiles in Dhamar. Over 100 people are killed in the attack. The head of the Houthis’ national committee for prisoner affairs, Abdul Qader al-Mortada, said many of those held were due to be released in a local deal to exchange prisoners of war.Dahlia Nehme, “Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen prison, scores killed,” Reuters, September 1, 2019, https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKCN1VM0ZO.
- September 3, 2019: Houthi rebels launch multiple drone attacks on King Khalid Air Base in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. Earlier in the day, Houthis fire several ballistic missiles towards Najran airport in the southwest of the kingdom. No casualties or injuries are reported in both instances.Mu Xuequan, “Yemen's Houthis launch fresh drone attacks on Saudi air base,” Xinhua, September 4, 2019, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-09/04/c_138362694.htm.
- September 14, 2019: Drone attacks are launched on two key oil installations in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claim responsibility for the attack. Although there are no casualties, the damaged oil facilities process the majority of the country’s crude output which raises the risk of a disruption in world oil supplies.Ben Hubbard, Palko Karasz and Stanley Reed, “Two Major Saudi Oil Installations Hit by Drone Strike, and U.S. Blames Iran,” New York Times, September 14, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/14/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-refineries-drone-attack.html?module=inline.
- September 28, 2019: Houthi rebels claim to have killed 500 Saudi soldiers, captured a further 2,000, and seized a convoy of Saudi military vehicles in the southern Najran region of Saudi Arabia. The claims could not be corroborated have been denied by Saudi forces.Patrick Wintour, “Houthis claim to have killed 500 Saudi soldiers in major attack,” The Guardian, September 29, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/29/houthis-claim-killed-hundreds-saudi-soldiers-captured-thousands.; “Saudi-led coalition denies Houthi claims of troop capture,” Al Jazeera, September 30, 2019, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/saudi-led-coalition-denies-houthi-claims-troop-capture-190930193102187.html.
Designations
Designations by the U.S. Government:
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April 14, 2015: The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Houthi leader “Abdul Malik al-Houthi” as a Specially Designated National (SDN).“Treasury Sanctions Instigators of the Violent Takeover of Yemen,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 14, 2015, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl10021.aspx. | The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated former commander of Yemen’s Republican Guard “Ahmed Ali Saleh” as a Specially Designated National (SDN).“Treasury Sanctions Instigators of the Violent Takeover of Yemen,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 14, 2015, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl10021.aspx. |
Designations by Foreign Governments and Organizations:
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November 7, 2014: The U.N. Security Council designated “Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi.”Security Council, “Security Council 2140 Sanctions Committee Designates Three Individuals as Subject to Assets Freeze, Travel Ban,” United Nations, November 7, 2014, http://www.un.org/press/en/2014/sc11636.doc.htm. | November 7, 2014: The U.N. Security Council designated “Abdullah Yahya al Hakim.”Security Council, “Security Council 2140 Sanctions Committee Designates Three Individuals as Subject to Assets Freeze, Travel Ban,” United Nations, November 7, 2014, http://www.un.org/press/en/2014/sc11636.doc.htm. |
April 14, 2015: The U.N. Security Council designated “Abdulmalik al-Houthi.”Security Council, “Security Council Demands End to Yemen Violence, Adopting Resolution 2216 (2015), with Russian Federation Abstaining,” United Nations, April 14, 2015, http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc11859.doc.htm. |
Associations
Ties to Extremist Entities:
![]() Houthi militants have engaged in violent clashes with al-Qaeda’s Yemeni branch, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). While the Houthis are opposed to Salafist encroachment in their stronghold, analysts have noticed that the two groups have at times appeared to enter in an alliance against the Yemeni government.Steven Erlanger, “Yemen’s Chaos Aids the Evolution of a Qaeda Cell,” New York Times, January 2, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/world/middleeast/03yemen.html. | ![]() No known cooperative links exist between the Houthis and Iraqi Shiite paramilitary group the Badr Organization. Badr members have, however, rallied in Iraq in support of the Houthi rebels.“Iraq’s Badr Organization Offers to Join Yemen’s Ansarullah in War against S. Arabia,” Fars News Agency, April 1, 2015, http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940112000339. |
![]() Higher-ups in the Houthi movement have expressed support for Hamas. Before he was killed in 2004, Houthis founder Hussein al-Houthi made it a point to praise Hamas for its wars against Israel.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 304, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf.In October 2014, a member of the Houthis political party stated that the Houthis and Hamas share “a common stand vis-a-vis Israel” and the United States. “Q&A: What do the Houthis want?,” Al Jazeera, October 2, 2014, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/qa-what-do-houthis-want-2014101104640578131.html. |
![]() Saudi officials allege that Hezbollah has provided training to the Houthi rebels.“Iran and Hezbollah trained Houthis to ‘harm Yemenis,’” Al Arabiya, April 7, 2015, http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/04/07/Iran-and-Hezbollah-trained-Houthis-to-harm-Yemenis-.html. According to the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, the “first thing the Houthis did when they entered and occupied Sanaa was to free Iranian Revolutionary Guards operatives and Hezbollah operatives from the jails.”Warren Strobel and Mark Hosenball, “Elite Iranian guards training Yemen’s Houthis: U.S. officials,” Reuters, March 27, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/27/us-yemen-security-houthis-iran-idUSKBN0MN2MI20150327. Moreover, Houthi rhetoric as early as 2004 indicates the group looks up to Hezbollah due to its anti-American, anti-Israel stance.Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells, Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon (Santa Monica: RAND Corporation, 2010), 121, http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG962.pdf. According to a number of analysts, the Houthis may also have modeled their organization after Hezbollah.Robert F. Worth, “Yemen, Hailed as Model, Struggles for Stability,” New York Times, February 18, 2013, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/world/middleeast/yemen-hailed-as-a-model-struggles-for-stability.html; |
![]() The Houthis have received training and military equipment from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, the “first thing the Houthis did when they entered and occupied Sanaa was to free Iranian Revolutionary Guards operatives and Hezbollah operatives from the jails.”<Warren Strobel and Mark Hosenball, “Elite Iranian guards training Yemen's Houthis: U.S. officials,” Reuters, March 27, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/27/us-yemen-security-houthis-iran-idUSKBN0MN2MI20150327. The Iranian ship Jihan I was seized allegedly en route to Yemen in 2013 with arms meant for the Houthis. The cache, as Reuters reported in December 2014, included, “Katyusha rockets M-122, heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles, RPG-7s, Iranian-made night vision goggles and ‘artillery systems that track land and navy targets 40km away’”as well as “silencers, 2.66 tonnes of RDX explosives, C-4 explosives, ammunition, bullets and electrical transistors.”Yara Bayoumy and Mohammed Ghobari, “Iranian support seen crucial for Yemen’s Houthis,” Reuters, December 15, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/15/us-yemen-houthis-iran-insight-idUSKBN0JT17A20141215. |
![]() Higher-ups in the Houthi movement have expressed support for Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthis political party, has stated that the Houthis and PIJ share “a common stand vis-a-vis Israel” and the United States.“Q&A: What do the Houthis want?,” Al Jazeera, October 2, 2014, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/qa-what-do-houthis-want-2014101104640578131.html. |
Rhetoric
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