GENOCIDE  WATCH

The conflict between the Houthi rebel movement and the Yemeni government stems from longstanding political and economic grievances. The Houthis, lacking recognized statehood or formal political institutions, first appeared in the 1990s as a revivalist movement for the Zaydi sect of Islam, a minority faith in Yemen. Over the years, the group evolved into an armed political actor and developed close ties with Iran, situating itself within the broader “axis of resistance” opposing Western influence. Tensions with the Yemeni state escalated during the 2000s, as the Houthis launched repeated uprisings against President Ali Abdullah Saleh, demanding greater autonomy and resources for the northern regions. Their position solidified in 2014 when they captured Sana’a, citing the need for government reform and protesting steep fuel price increases.

Northern Yemen’s neglect of infrastructure, education, and healthcare fueled resentment against central authorities. Houthi grievances escalated during the Arab Spring, when protests in Sana’a against President Saleh turned violent. By 2013, Abdul Malik al-Houthi mobilized mass demonstrations against fuel subsidy cuts, channeling public anger into demands for regime change. Iranian backing further strengthened the group’s insurgency