## Houthi Rebels: Comprehensive Overview The Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, is a Zaydi revivalist and Islamist political-military organization that emerged in Yemen in the early 1990s[1][2]. Predominantly composed of Zaydis—a sect of Shia Islam followed by roughly 35% of Yemen’s population—the group’s leadership is drawn largely from the al-Houthi family[1][6]. The movement’s origins lie in opposition to perceived corruption and foreign influence, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the United States, within the Yemeni government under President Ali Abdullah Saleh[1][4]. ## History and Key Achievements Founded by Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi, the group initially focused on religious revival and political protest but quickly evolved into an armed insurgency after al-Houthi’s death in 2004[1][2]. The Houthis waged a series of uprisings (the “Houthi wars”) against the Yemeni government, culminating in their dramatic seizure of the capital, Sanaa, in September 2014, and the subsequent overthrow of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi[4]. This event marked a turning point, as the Houthis became central players in Yemen’s ongoing civil war and established de facto governance over much of northern Yemen, including Sanaa[2][3]. The Houthis’ military prowess has been bolstered by arms acquisitions from black markets, defectors from the Yemeni military, and significant support from Iran, which views the group as part of its “Axis of Resistance”[1][2]. Their ability to withstand a Saudi-led, U.S.-backed military coalition since 2015 is a testament to their resilience and external backing[4][6]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects Today, the Houthis remain a dominant force in Yemen,