The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah)

The Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, is a political and armed group from Yemen that follows the Zaidi Shia Islamic sect. Originating in the 1990s, they initially sought to defend their community and promote Zaidi interests. Over time, they grew more politically active, opposing the Yemeni government and regional influences, particularly Saudi Arabia. Their actions led to a prolonged conflict starting in 2014, when they took control of Yemen’s capital. The conflict involves multiple factions and international interests, resulting in a complex humanitarian crisis. The Houthis are both a political movement and an armed group, committed to advancing their ideological and political goals in Yemen.