Who Are the Houthi Rebels? Origins, Military Strength, Leaders, And Major Attacks

Trump launches strikes against Yemen's Houthis

Trump Orders Airstrikes

On March 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. These strikes were a direct response to Houthi threats against shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The military operation targeted key Houthi infrastructure, including radar stations, missile launch sites, and air defense systems. At least nine civilians were reported killed in Sana’a due to the airstrikes.

In a statement, Trump warned Iran to stop its support for the Houthis, stating that the U.S. would use "overwhelming force" to ensure security in the region. These developments have heightened tensions between the U.S., Iran, and regional actors.

Who Are the Houthi Rebels?

The Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah ("Supporters of God"), is a Yemeni political and armed group with deep historical, religious, and political roots. Emerging from the Zaidi Shia minority in northern Yemen, the Houthis have become one of the most influential forces in Yemen’s ongoing civil war.

Their rise has dramatically reshaped the region’s geopolitical landscape, drawing in major international actors like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States.

Origins and Development

The roots of the Houthi movement trace back to the early 1990s when Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, a Zaidi cleric and former Yemeni parliamentarian, founded the Believing Youth movement. This organization sought to revive Zaidi cultural and religious traditions while countering the growing influence of Sunni Salafism, particularly the spread of Wahhabism, which was supported by Saudi Arabia.

By the early 2000s, tensions between the Yemeni government and the Houthis escalated. In 2004, the Yemeni government launched military operations against them, leading to the first of six Sa’dah Wars (2004–2010). The conflict intensified when Hussein al-Houthi was killed, and his brother, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, took leadership. The movement’s military strength grew as it expanded its reach, eventually leading to its seizure of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, in September 2014.

Houthi Leadership and Structure

• Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi (founder, 1990s–2004, killed in conflict)

• Abdul-Malik al-Houthi (current leader, 2004–present)

• Mohammed Ali al-Houthi (political leader, key figure in the Supreme Political Council)

• Yusuf al-Madani (senior military commander)

Under Abdul-Malik, the movement has maintained a strict hierarchical structure with centralized leadership. It operates both political and military wings, governing the territories under its control with parallel institutions.

Military Strength and Capabilities

The Houthis have transformed from a ragtag insurgency into a formidable military force capable of launching complex attacks. They are known for using a mix of conventional and asymmetric warfare strategies.

Military Strength of Houthi

The group’s arsenal has been significantly bolstered by Iranian support, which has included weapons, training, and intelligence.

Major Attacks and War Crimes Allegations

The Houthis have conducted numerous high-profile attacks, both within Yemen and against neighboring countries. These include:

• 2019: Attack on Saudi Aramco facilities – The Houthis launched drone and missile strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure, temporarily crippling global oil supplies.

• 2021–2023: Red Sea Shipping Attacks – Houthis targeted international shipping routes, hijacking vessels and launching missile strikes.

• 2024: Seizure of the Galaxy Leader – The Houthis hijacked the British cargo ship in the Red Sea, taking its crew hostage.

The group has been accused of war crimes, including indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas, forced disappearances, and the use of child soldiers. Human rights organizations have documented Houthi-led executions, kidnappings, and severe restrictions on freedoms in controlled territories.

International Involvement

The Houthi conflict has drawn in major international players, creating a regional proxy war.

• Iran – Provides funding, weapons, and training.

• Hezbollah (Lebanon) – Allegedly assists in training Houthi fighters.

• Saudi Arabia – Leads a military coalition opposing the Houthis since 2015.

• United States – Has provided intelligence, logistical support, and recently launched airstrikes against Houthi military targets.

Conclusion

The Houthi movement has transformed from a marginalized Zaidi revivalist group into a dominant force in Yemen, directly influencing the region’s stability. With support from Iran, the group has developed a powerful military apparatus capable of regional disruption. The recent U.S. intervention highlights the global significance of the conflict and the risks of further escalation.

As the crisis continues, the Houthis remain a key player in the geopolitical chessboard of the Middle East, drawing scrutiny, condemnation, and military action from the international community. The coming months will determine whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate tensions or if further military engagements will deepen the conflict.

FAQs About the Houthi Rebels

Who are the Houthi rebels?

The Houthi rebels, officially known as Ansar Allah, are a Yemeni political and armed group originating from the Zaidi Shia sect. They have been involved in an ongoing conflict with the Yemeni government and regional powers since the early 2000s.

Why did the Houthis start fighting the Yemeni government?

The Houthis initially rebelled against the Yemeni government due to perceived political and religious marginalization of the Zaidi Shia community. Over time, their grievances expanded to include government corruption and foreign interference, especially from Saudi Arabia.

Who supports the Houthi rebels?

Iran is widely believed to provide financial, military, and logistical support to the Houthis. Additionally, Hezbollah has been reported to assist in training Houthi fighters. However, Iran officially denies direct military involvement.

What are the main military capabilities of the Houthis?

The Houthis possess a variety of military assets, including ballistic missiles, drones, anti-ship weapons, and armored vehicles. Many of their advanced weapons are believed to be supplied or designed by Iran.

Why did the U.S. launch airstrikes against the Houthis in 2025?

President Trump ordered airstrikes on March 15, 2025, in response to Houthi threats against shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The strikes targeted key military infrastructure to weaken the group’s operational capabilities and deter future attacks.

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