The last several decades have seen American news headlines paying attention to various names of Middle Eastern origin that designate certain groups, political affiliations, etc. Are the Houthis the next big group to look out for? Far from new, the Houthis movement continues to make waves since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. Determined to support Hamas, Houthis in Yemen continue attacking military and commercial ships in the Red Sea. Now, the United States has had enough.
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Who Are the Houthi?
The Houthis movement is a Shia Islamist organization that emerged as a theological group in Yemen during the 1990s. Primarily composed of Zaidi Shias, and led by the Houthi tribe, Houthis are officially the Ansar Allah (Supporters of God).
Politics have always been around Houthis rebels. This was seen in the early 2000s when the Houthis Yemen long time President had a series of rebellions in hopes to win the homeland north of Yemen.
After al-Houthi’s death in 2004, rebels continued under the direction of Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, even participating in the 2011 Yemeni Revolution. The rejection of peace following the revolution would eventually lead to rebels seizing the capital in 2014.
Furthermore, Yemen continues to be enthralled with a civil war that has even had foreign intervention from the likes of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Houthis in Yemen wish to control the entire nation under its political and religious ideals.
Though the Houthis do not partner with the Sunnis and discriminate against them, there are exceptions. The groups have come together when interests align to form temporary alliances.
The Houthis, originating as a moderate theological movement advocating tolerance, initially formed the “Believing Youth” in 1992. During this time, the movement aimed to revive Zaidi’s beliefs and gained momentum through summer camps.
They Are Nothing Less Than Hostile to American Interests
Since the beginning, the Houthis have garnered attention over concerns about foreign intervention, opposition to Saudi-influenced ideologies, and discontent with the Yemen government’s alliance with the United States.
The Houthi movement became radicalized following the 2003 Iraq invasion. Unfortunately, the movement has involvement in regional conflicts, attacks, and the assassination of Ali Abdullah Saleh in 2017.
The United States designated the Houthis organization in January 2021, but this decision didn’t last long. Its reversal was in February 2021 under President Joe Biden. However, allies (specifically the UAE) have called for redesignating the Houthis.
Whether or not Yemen Houthi rebels remain off of an official designation may be up to the election cycle. It may be up to political pressures outside of America. The decision could also be in the hands of the Houthis in Yemen as well.
Because there have been various attacks against commercial ships in one of the most important waterways for international trade, the U.S. is stepping up its efforts, as are others.
Nations banding together to defend commerce in the Red Sea may be somewhat successful in avoiding major incidents, but the United States has grown tired of shooting down drones and missiles. A warning has been issued and the response could escalate the nature of American-Houthi relations.
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Houthis to End Red Sea Attacks or Face Military Response
Those defending the Red Sea have had enough. A final warning has come from a statement signed by the United States and twelve other allies demanding the Houthis end their attacks on commercial ships. The U.S. allies that are also demanding an end to such attacks include the following:
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
The declaration came to be on January 3, 2024, with the United States calling out Iran for supplying the movement with financial support and calling on the United Nations Security Council for action as a result of the attacks.
Even with the ongoing Operation Prosperity Guardian, tensions and attacks look to persist. If this is a theoretical line in the sand, it’s yet another example of potential spillover that the beginning of 2024 is seeing unfold in the Middle East.
Finally Hamas is losing leaders in Lebanon from strikes by Israel. The Houthis will surely look to respond with support of their own, but this time, there is a higher risk for an even greater response that has already been fatal for many of its rebel fighters.
President Biden Orders Strikes Against Houthis
The US and the UK have launched strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen as of January 11th. This comes after the Biden administration gave a warning that there would be serious consequences for the rebels attacking ships in the Red Sea.
On January 11th, the US and the UK launched over 60 airstrikes in Yemen against the Houthis after the commercial shipping attack. The US says 60 targets across 28 sites were hit. During these strikes, over 100 precision-guided munitions were used. President Biden stated the strikes were in response to attacks on the Yemen Houthis ship. He said this “jeopardized trade, and threatened freedom of navigation.”
Houthis Strike Again, Targeting a Tanker
Houthi militants struck again on Friday, January 19th, this time targeting a tanker after the US targeted their anti-missile ships. Additionally, the telecommunications blackout in the Gaza Strip continues on, making it the longest disruption to occur since the Israel-Hamas war began. Now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is receiving criticism as he is dismissing calls for a post-war Palestinian state.
Check back for more updates as we continue to monitor the situation.
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