Who are the Houthis? All you need to know about the new Middle East terror threat
Tensions Escalate in the Middle East as Houthis Gain Infamy
In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack on Israel by Hamas, tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. Another Islamic militant group, the Houthis, has made headlines with a series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea from their bases in Yemen.
In one of their latest provocations, a Houthi anti-ship missile came dangerously close to striking a U.S. Navy warship before being intercepted by the ship’s defensive weapon system.
The Biden administration has re-designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization, reversing the decision made by Biden in early 2021. As the United States plans further strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, the possibility of a full military confrontation looms large.
The Rise of the Houthis
To understand the Houthis, it is important to delve into their origins. The movement was founded by Hussein al-Houthi, a religious leader in the Zaydi sect of Shia Islam that emerged in Yemen during the 9th century. The Zaydis once dominated the northern part of the country until a revolution in 1962 changed the political landscape.
Al-Houthi served in the Yemeni Parliament and was critical of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who responded by cracking down on the group. Support for al-Houthi grew, especially after President Saleh expressed support for the U.S. War on Terror. The Houthi movement became more radicalized and adopted an infamous slogan inspired by Iran’s chant.
Yemeni government forces attacked Houthi bases, leading to the death of al-Houthi. However, this only intensified the resistance against Saleh’s regime. The Houthis retreated to the northwest corner of the country and managed to defeat the Yemeni military, backed by Saudi Arabia, multiple times.
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The Houthis seized control of the northern part of Yemen, while opposition groups, including a Saudi-backed coalition and Al-Qaeda, gained control in the south. In a surprising turn of events, ex-President Saleh, who had previously cracked down on the Houthis, allied with the radical militants.
The war between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with the United States conducting airstrikes, worsened the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The country faced a massive death toll, a cholera epidemic, and the risk of famine.
After years of conflict, the war began to subside due to the COVID pandemic. Ceasefire agreements were brokered, and talks between Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the Houthis aimed to restore stability. However, the recent attack by Hamas on Israel has reignited the conflict, with the Houthis joining in and targeting container ships in the Red Sea.
The Houthis have expressed their animosity towards the United States and Israel for over two decades. Despite facing numerous attempts to destroy them, they maintain a strong grip on the northern part of Yemen. While further U.S. strikes and the re-designation of the Houthis as a terror group could potentially shift the balance, it is likely that the conflict will continue for the foreseeable future.
What are the potential implications of Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea for international maritime trade routes and the global economy?
Violent insurgency erupted in 2004. The movement’s main goals include the establishment of a Zaydi Shia Islamic state in Yemen and the rejection of foreign intervention in the country’s affairs.
Over the years, the Houthis have gained significant control over parts of Yemen, including the capital city of Sanaa. With the backing of Iran, they have been able to successfully challenge the internationally recognized Yemeni government and its Saudi-led coalition supporters.
Houthi Attacks and Regional Implications
The recent attacks by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea have raised concerns about the safety of international maritime trade routes. The Red Sea is an important passage for global trade, particularly for oil shipments coming from the Middle East. Any disruption in the flow of goods through these waters could have grave consequences for the global economy.
Additionally, the Houthi attacks have further strained relations between regional powers, particularly Iran and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has been leading a military campaign in Yemen against the Houthis since 2015, seeking to restore the Yemeni government’s control. The Iranian support for the Houthis has led to accusations of Tehran’s interference in the affairs of neighboring Arab countries.
Furthermore, the Houthi insurgency has also aggravated the already complicated situation in Yemen. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis suffering from malnutrition, lack of medical care, and displacement. The United Nations has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance, but the situation remains dire.
International Response and the Way Forward
The Biden administration’s decision to re-designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization aims to exert pressure on the group and limit its access to financial resources. However, critics argue that this move could complicate efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and provide humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people.
The international community must redouble its efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. A comprehensive peace agreement that addresses the concerns and aspirations of all parties involved is crucial. This would require engaging not only with the Houthis and the Yemeni government but also with regional powers such as Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, humanitarian aid must be increased to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. Donor countries must fulfill their commitments and provide the necessary resources to address the dire humanitarian situation in the country.
In conclusion, the rise of the Houthis and their recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea have further escalated tensions in the already volatile Middle East. The international community must work together to find a peaceful resolution to the Yemeni conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. Failure to do so could have profound consequences, not only for the region but also for global security and stability.
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