World · 29 March 2026
Who Are the Houthis and What Do They Want?
The Houthis are a Zaydi Shia movement that seized Sanaa and much of northern Yemen in 2014, triggering a Saudi-led military coalition in 2015. Rooted in grievances over Zaydi marginalisation and perceived Saudi influence, they have proven remarkably resilient despite years of intensive bombardment and billions spent against them. Their attacks on Red Sea shipping drew UK and US air strikes, exposing a deepening Iran-Saudi proxy rivalry with serious consequences for global trade.
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