Overview

Also Known As:

Al-Houthis

Al-Shabaab al-Mu’minin

Ansarallah

Ansar Allah

Ansarullah

Ash-Shabab al-Mu’min

Believing Youth Believing Youth Forum

Houthi Movement

Huthis

Partisans of God

Shabaab al-Mumanin

Supporters of God

Executive Summary:

The Houthis—officially known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God)—are an Iranian-backed, Shiite Muslim military and political movement in Yemen. Its members, who subscribe to the minority Zaidi sect of Shiite Islam, advocate regional autonomy for Zaidis in northern Yemen. The group has waged a series of bloody insurgencies against the Yemeni government since 2004, overthrowing them and seizing power in Sanaa in 2015. In 2016, the group announced the formation of a government.

The Houthi movement began as an effort to maintain tribal autonomy in northern Yemen and protest Western influence in the Middle East. Today, the Houthis seek a greater role in the Yemeni government and continue to advocate Zaidi minority interests.

The Houthis have received training and military equipment from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the Saudi ambassador to the United States, the “first thing the Houthis did when they entered and occupied Sanaa was to free Iranian Revolutionary Guards operatives and Hezbollah operatives from the jails.” The Iranian ship Jihan I was seized allegedly en route to Yemen in 2013 with arms meant for the Houthis.

The movement is known for its virulently anti-American and anti-Semitic rhetoric, including the group’s ubiquitous slogan: “God is great! Death to America! Death to Israel! Curse upon the Jews! Victory to Islam!”

The Houthis have targeted U.S. citizens, kidnapping four Americans in May 2015 and releasing one in early June. Several of the group’s leaders have been designated as terrorists by the United States.

The Houthis’ roots trace back to the 1990s, when Houthis founder Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi created the al-Shabab al-Mumanin (Believing Youth) movement in an effort to combine religious revivalism with anti-imperialism. The movement sought to educate local youth about Zaidism’s long history in Saada Governorate, northern Yemen. To that end, the al-Houthi family launched a network of associations, sports clubs, and summer camps. The al-Houthis also sought to protect Zaidism from perceived encroachment of Salafism and Wahhabism from Saudi Arabia into northern Yemen, where Zaidism has been dominant for centuries.

God is great! Death to America! Death to Israel! Curse upon the Jews! Victory to Islam!Houthis slogan

The Houthi movement grew increasingly politically engaged in 2003, in reaction and opposition to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s support for the U.S-led war in Iraq. Domestically, Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi continued to seek autonomy for Saada Governorate from Yemen’s Sunni-dominated central government.

After Saleh dispatched troops in a failed attempt to arrest al-Houthi in 2004, the Houthis launched an insurgency against the government. Al-Houthi was killed during clashes with the government in 2004, but the movement has continued in his name, waging a series of intermittent wars against the government, with Saudi forces intervening to support Sanaa in the years since.

During these wars, Saleh repeatedly sought to appease the Houthis by issuing amnesties to their prisoners and even pardoning Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi in 2005, but al-Houthi rejected the pardon and the periodic fighting continued. In 2007, Qatar brokered a brief cease-fire called the Doha Agreement, but the deal failed to satisfy the parties and fighting resumed that year. In 2009, with the Saleh government launched the massive Operation Scorched Earth, which sought to crush the insurgency for good, and was backed by financial, political, and military support from the Saudis. However, the campaign failed, and intermittent fighting continued.

During the Arab Spring in 2011, mass protests began against the Yemeni government, and Saleh stepped down in 2012 pursuant to an internationally negotiated transition agreement. The Houthis participated in a National Dialogue Conference but continued fighting against government forces.

The Houthis made significant territorial gains in 2014-2015. In September 2014, the group captured Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, resulting in the resignation of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi in January 2015. The following month, the Houthis officially announced the dissolution of Hadi’s parliament and the institution of their interim government, known as the Supreme Revolutionary Committee (SRC).

The United Nations began facilitating peace talks between the Houthis and the Yemeni government in October 2015. Concurrently, the government of Saudi Arabia held negotiations with the Houthis, beginning in March 2016 and reaching a stalemate in May. The peace talks between the Houthis and Yemeni government ended without an agreement in early August 2016, after which President Hadi’s forces launched a fresh offensive. That month, the SRC handed its authority to the Supreme Political Council (SPC), a government body formed by the July 2016 merger between the Houthis and former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh. The alliance between Saleh and the Houthis ended in December 2017 after Saleh offered to reconcile with Saudi Arabia. Houthi forces assassinated Saleh on December 4, 2017, during violent clashes between the rebels and Saleh’s forces.

Following a week of U.N.-sponsored peace talks in Sweden, all parties tentatively agreed to an immediate cease-fire in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah on December 13, 2018. However, few of the conditions agreed upon were implemented by either side. Fighting continued until February 17, 2019, when the Houthis and Yemeni government finally withdrew their forces from the city of Hodeidah. While violence has declined in Hodeidah, it has continued and escalated elsewhere in the country.

Beginning in 2017, the Houthis have also repeatedly attacked Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones, and has ramped up strikes in the spring and summer of 2019. On August 27, 2019, the U.S. government was reportedly preparing to initiate negotiations with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in an effort to bring the four-year civil war in Yemen to an end. This round of peace negotiations is aimed at convincing Saudi Arabia to take part in secret talks with the rebels in Oman to help broker a cease-fire in the conflict. Oman currently stands at the front line in the regional proxy war between Riyadh and Tehran. The Houthis have previously engaged in peace talks, however both instances—once in 2015 during the Obama administration which sought to broker a cease-fire and the release of Americans held in Yemen, and once just last December during the United Nations peace talks—did not result in any significant progress. Saudi Arabia resumed its airstrikes in Yemen in January 2020 after a suspected Houthi ballistic missile strike on a military camp in Yemen killed at least 116.

Doctrine:

Unlike Sunni extremist groups in Yemen, the Houthis adhere to Zaidism, a doctrinally distinct off-shoot of mainstream “Twelver” Shiism. While Zaidism ruled Yemen for approximately 900 years beginning in the 9th century, the country has been officially secular since 1962, when a military coup ended the rule of Imam Mohammed Al-Badr.

The Houthi movement has drawn attention for its anti-American, anti-Semitic slogan, “God is great! Death to America! Death to Israel! Curse upon the Jews! Victory to Islam!” While some analysts maintain that the slogan does not reflect the group’s objectives, the Houthis have issued threats against Yemen’s Jewish community and attempted to force the U.S. ambassador from Yemen to leave. The Jews living in Saada were threatened by the Houthis in 2007 and forced to relocate to Sanaa, where they were living under government protection as of early 2015.

The Houthis have detained numerous foreign nationals, including at least five Americans. In June 2015, the Houthis released one American captive. On September 20, 2015, after the intercession of Oman’s government, the Houthis released three more hostages, including U.S. citizen Scott Darden, a logistics employee from Louisiana, and one other American. On November 10, 2015, U.S. officials reported that American contractor John Hamen, who had been detained sometime in October 2015, was dead. The announcement was followed by the release of three other Americans believed to be working for the United Nations.

Organizational Structure:

The Houthi movement’s organizational structure is opaque. The movement began as a grassroots religious organization aimed at youth, but over time it has entered politics and developed military capabilities. Following the killing of movement founder Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi by Yemeni forces in 2004, the Houthis were led by Hussein’s father, spiritual leader Badr al-Din al-Houthi. The movement’s current leader is Hussein’s younger brother, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.

Financing:

Yemeni officials have long accused Iran’s Shiite Islamist regime of providing political, financial, and logistical support to the Houthi rebels and other secessionist movements in Yemen. Despite a 2009 U.N. report confirming such claims, Iran and the Houthis have historically denied engaging in past cooperation. Nevertheless, other reports subsequently confirmed Iranian support, including a Reuters article in December of 2014 confirming financial backing by Tehran. One source stated, “We think there is cash, some of which is channeled via Hezbollah and sacks of cash arriving at the airport.” Only in 2015 did Iran finally acknowledge providing “direct support” to the Houthis rebels. According one Houthi official, the group has received tens of millions of dollars from the Iranian regime in recent years. Experts place the amount of financial support from Iran at between $10 and $20 million per year, including at least one alleged payment of $3.7 million.

In addition to allegedly sending financial support to the Houthis, Iran also reportedly dispatches military personnel and weapons, including missiles, explosives, and small arms. American intelligence officials have claimed that the Houthis receive considerably less support from Iran than some have alleged. Nonetheless, on March 28, 2016, the U.S. Navy reportedly intercepted weapons from Iran believed to be headed for Houthi rebels. Among the weapons intercepted were 1,500 AK-47 rifles, 200 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and 21 .50-caliber machine guns, according to Reuters.

In January 2019, the U.N.’s Panel of Experts on Yemen reported that they had “traced the supply to the Houthis of unmanned aerial vehicles and a mixing machine for rocket fuel and found that individuals and entities of Iranian origin have funded the purchase.

Recruitment:

The Houthis’ primary area of recruitment is the northern provinces of Yemen, its heartland of ideological support. In February 2016, al-Arabiya reported that the group had expanded recruitment beyond its traditional political base by inducing “mercenaries” from African countries.

Houthi recruitment efforts inside Yemen have benefitted from the unpopularity of the Yemeni government. Since the 2011 uprising that removed President Ali Abdullah Saleh from power, the Houthis have increasingly attracted potential recruits to anti-government public protests in support of the movement. In the summer of 2014, the group gained noticeable traction when it protested the Yemeni government’s decision to cut popular fuel subsidies. Houthi-led protests attracted tens of thousands of supporters, including not only Zaidis but also Sunnis, to Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.

Since the 1990s, Houthi recruitment has reached out to its target Zaidi audience through social connections and networking, proselytizing through religious sermons, the dissemination of written materials, audio and videotapes, and online recruitment. The Houthis began paramilitary activities in 2004 and began distributing military training videos electronically and in person where possible.

The Houthis have also revived local Zaidi rituals, including events where potential recruits can socialize with pro-jihadi Houthi militia men, with the intention of encouraging new recruits to join the veterans. A pro-Houthi youth movement called Shabab al-Sumud (Steadfast Youth) has also provided support, including by managing a tent in Maydan Taghayr (Change Square) in 2012 where members of the public could enter and watch pro-Houthi videos.

The group is also active on the Internet, including on YouTube channels where it posts pro-Houthi videos, as well as web forums to promote the Houthi movement. The Houthis operate the TV channel Al Masirah, which publishes pro-Houthi videos, including poems and songs. In 2007, group leader Abdel Malik founded the Al Minbar website, which published press statements, editorials, speeches, videos, and images to promote its message. The group has also released statements through website Ansar Allah (Supporters of Allah). Houthi officials also maintain Twitter accounts disseminating pro-Houthi material. For example, in May 2016, Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul Salam posted comments accusing the Yemeni government of lying and time-wasting.

Training:

The Houthis have historically trained their fighters in Yemen’s mountainous north. The Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has trained Houthis in Yemen and Iranian military leadership is also believed to be present in Yemen to provide strategic military advice. In March 2015, Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubair also alleged that Hezbollah operatives were advising the Houthis. In the same month, Syrian military officials were reportedly present in Yemen assisting the Houthis as well.

In early 2015, U.S. officials reported that the IRGC’s training of Houthi rebels covered the use of advanced weapons, which the Houthis seized from Yemeni military bases.

Key Leaders

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi Spiritual, military, and political leader; brother of founder Hussein Badr-al-Din al-Houthi

Youssef al-Midani Deputy leader; brother-in-law of Abdul-Malik al-Houthi (reported deceased October 2015)

Yahia Badr-al-Din al-Houthi Senior leader, former lawmaker, brother of founder Hussein Badr-al-Din and current leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi

Abdul-Karim Badr-al-Din Al-Houthi Senior leader, brother of founder Hussein Badr-al-Din and current leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi

Mohamed Abdul Salam Spokesman

Faris Manna Houthi-appointed governor of Saada between 2011 and December 2014; alleged former arms dealer whose assets were frozen by the U.N. Security Council and the U.S. Treasury Department

Mohammed al-Bukhaiti Spokesman and member of the Houthi Political Council

History

Violent Activities

Violent activity by the Houthis has consisted mainly of armed rebellion against the Yemeni government, leading to clashes with security forces. Thousands have been killed and displaced as a result of the fighting. The Houthis also briefly fought Saudi forces on the northern border in late 2009, and have battled al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) for several years. In October 2016, the rebels took direct action against the United States by conducting a series of failed missile attacks against the U.S. Navy presence in the region. The Houthis had previously kidnapped several American citizens, including a teacher, journalist, humanitarian aid worker. U.S. ships are not the only vessels the rebels have targeted. Prior to the attacks on the U.S. Navy, a UAE civilian ship was damaged by Houthi missiles that same month. Starting in 2017, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones, and have ramped up strikes in 2019, often targeting Saudi airports and oil fields. 2003: Hussein al-Houthi opposes Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s cooperation with the United States in its war on terror and invasion of Iraq. He and his supporters later resist arrest by Yemeni forces, provoking conflict.

Hussein al-Houthi opposes Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s cooperation with the United States in its war on terror and invasion of Iraq. He and his supporters later resist arrest by Yemeni forces, provoking conflict. June–August 2004: Fighting breaks out in Yemen’s north between troops and Shiite insurgents led by Hussein al-Houthi. The clashes kill hundreds.

Fighting breaks out in Yemen’s north between troops and Shiite insurgents led by Hussein al-Houthi. The clashes kill hundreds. 2004–2010: The Houthis wage a series of insurgencies against the government of Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The Houthis wage a series of insurgencies against the government of Ali Abdullah Saleh. March–April 2005: Renewed fighting between Yemeni forces and Hussein al-Houthi supporters kills more than 200.

Renewed fighting between Yemeni forces and Hussein al-Houthi supporters kills more than 200. January–March 2007: Fighting between Yemeni security forces and Houthi rebels in the north kill or wound dozens. Houthi rebels threaten Yemen’s Jewish population in Saada, forcing many to relocate to Sanaa.

Fighting between Yemeni security forces and Houthi rebels in the north kill or wound dozens. Houthi rebels threaten Yemen’s Jewish population in Saada, forcing many to relocate to Sanaa. January 2008: Fighting renews between the Houthis and Yemeni forces.

Fighting renews between the Houthis and Yemeni forces. April 2008: Men allegedly associated with the Houthi movement destroy a Jewish family’s home.

Men allegedly associated with the Houthi movement destroy a Jewish family’s home. May 2, 2008: A bomb explodes outside a mosque in northern Yemen, killing at least 12 and wounding at least 44. Yemeni officials hold Houthi rebels accountable for the attack -- the first attack by the group that deliberately targets civilians. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi denies any connection to the bombing.

A bomb explodes outside a mosque in northern Yemen, killing at least 12 and wounding at least 44. Yemeni officials hold Houthi rebels accountable for the attack -- the first attack by the group that deliberately targets civilians. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi denies any connection to the bombing. June 2009: Houthis deny responsibility for the abduction of nine foreigners—three of whom are killed—in Saada region, a stronghold. Some media speculate the involvement of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) following the arrest of a supporter accused of financing the group.

Houthis deny responsibility for the abduction of nine foreigners—three of whom are killed—in Saada region, a stronghold. Some media speculate the involvement of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) following the arrest of a supporter accused of financing the group. October 2009: Clashes erupt between the Houthis and Saudi security forces along Yemen’s northern border. The Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of supporting the Yemeni government in attacks against them, which the Saudi government denies.

Clashes erupt between the Houthis and Saudi security forces along Yemen’s northern border. The Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of supporting the Yemeni government in attacks against them, which the Saudi government denies. November 3, 2009: Houthi rebels open fire on Saudi border guards, killing two and injuring at least 10.

Houthi rebels open fire on Saudi border guards, killing two and injuring at least 10. January–February 2010: More than 130 Saudi soldiers are killed by Houthis in fighting along the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

More than 130 Saudi soldiers are killed by Houthis in fighting along the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. July 17, 2010: Houthis kill 11 Yemeni soldiers and government-aligned tribesmen, sparking a heightened wave of violence.

Houthis kill 11 Yemeni soldiers and government-aligned tribesmen, sparking a heightened wave of violence. December 2010: Yemen says 3,000 soldiers were killed in recent fighting with Houthi rebels.

Yemen says 3,000 soldiers were killed in recent fighting with Houthi rebels. Late March 2011: Houthis advance on Saada, causing the governor and other officials to flee the city. Houthi rebels install Faris Manna, believed to be the country’s most powerful arms dealer, as governor of the province.

Houthis advance on Saada, causing the governor and other officials to flee the city. Houthi rebels install Faris Manna, believed to be the country’s most powerful arms dealer, as governor of the province. June 1, 2011: Houthis kill five Sunni tribesmen in northern Yemen.

Houthis kill five Sunni tribesmen in northern Yemen. November–December 2011: Clashes erupt between Houthis and Salafists on the outskirts of Saada.

Clashes erupt between Houthis and Salafists on the outskirts of Saada. October 2013–January 2014: Houthis launch an attack on Salafists in the town of Damaj, resulting in the death of over 100, at least 210 according to a Salafi spokesman.

Houthis launch an attack on Salafists in the town of Damaj, resulting in the death of over 100, at least 210 according to a Salafi spokesman. January 20, 2014: Clashes between Houthis and pro-Salafist Sunnis in the north kill 12.

Clashes between Houthis and pro-Salafist Sunnis in the north kill 12. February 2, 2014: The Houthis, reportedly joined by tribes aligned with former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and attack tribal forces in Amran province.

The Houthis, reportedly joined by tribes aligned with former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and attack tribal forces in Amran province. February 28, 2014: Houthis attack a security checkpoint after a protest against the government, killing three soldiers and wounding four.

Houthis attack a security checkpoint after a protest against the government, killing three soldiers and wounding four. March 6-9, 2014: Fighting erupts between Houthis and Sunni tribesmen, killing at least 40. Houthi fighters blow up a religious center in Hamdan on March 9.

Fighting erupts between Houthis and Sunni tribesmen, killing at least 40. Houthi fighters blow up a religious center in Hamdan on March 9. March 13, 2014: Houthis attack an army base near Sanaa, killing two soldiers.

Houthis attack an army base near Sanaa, killing two soldiers. May 2014: Houthis and Sunni tribesmen clash near Sanaa, killing at least 40.

Houthis and Sunni tribesmen clash near Sanaa, killing at least 40. May 20, 2014: Houthis attack Yemeni security outposts near Oman; seven Yemeni soldiers and nine Houthis are killed.

Houthis attack Yemeni security outposts near Oman; seven Yemeni soldiers and nine Houthis are killed. May 29, 2014: Houthis attack a checkpoint and two other locations, killing five tribesmen.

Houthis attack a checkpoint and two other locations, killing five tribesmen. June 18, 2014: Houthi fighters advance toward the capital, clashing with Yemeni forces 25 miles outside of Sanaa.

Houthi fighters advance toward the capital, clashing with Yemeni forces 25 miles outside of Sanaa. July 5, 2014: The cease-fire between the government and the Houthis collapses and Yemen’s air force bombs Houthi fighters in northern Yemen, killing 70 people.

The cease-fire between the government and the Houthis collapses and Yemen’s air force bombs Houthi fighters in northern Yemen, killing 70 people. July 8, 2014: At least 100 are killed and 150 wounded as the Houthis capture Omran.

At least 100 are killed and 150 wounded as the Houthis capture Omran. August 30, 2014: Houthis kill at least ten soldiers and local militia fighters in clashes.

Houthis kill at least ten soldiers and local militia fighters in clashes. September 20, 2014: The Houthis shell the official state television building, setting it ablaze and ultimately capturing it. Sanaa residents claim that Houthis control several other government sites, including the prime minister’s buildings and an army command center.

The Houthis shell the official state television building, setting it ablaze and ultimately capturing it. Sanaa residents claim that Houthis control several other government sites, including the prime minister’s buildings and an army command center. December 2014: Yemeni and Iranian officials claim that Iran is supplying Houthi rebels with weapons, money, and training.

Yemeni and Iranian officials claim that Iran is supplying Houthi rebels with weapons, money, and training. December 13, 2014: AQAP militants kill at least 30 Houthi fighters as they battle for control of the city of Radaa.

AQAP militants kill at least 30 Houthi fighters as they battle for control of the city of Radaa. February 2015: The Houthis seize power and announce that a transitional five-member presidential council will replace President Hadi, drawing protest from the U.N. Security Council.

The Houthis seize power and announce that a transitional five-member presidential council will replace President Hadi, drawing protest from the U.N. Security Council. March 19, 2015: Warplanes target the president’s palace in Aden, where President Hadi had sought refuge since fleeing Sanaa.

Warplanes target the president’s palace in Aden, where President Hadi had sought refuge since fleeing Sanaa. April 2, 2015: Houthi fighters take control of Aden’s central Crater neighborhood and fight their way into a presidential residence nearby.

Houthi fighters take control of Aden’s central Crater neighborhood and fight their way into a presidential residence nearby. May 12-14, 2015: The Houthis accept a five-day humanitarian cease-fire, but are accused of violating the truce within 24 hours.

The Houthis accept a five-day humanitarian cease-fire, but are accused of violating the truce within 24 hours. May 29, 2015: The Houthis continue to battle for control of Aden. They detain at least four Americans in the country’s capital.

The Houthis continue to battle for control of Aden. They detain at least four Americans in the country’s capital. June 1, 2015: The Houthis release one American detainee, Casey Coombs. At least three other Americans are still being held captive by the Houthis.

The Houthis release one American detainee, Casey Coombs. At least three other Americans are still being held captive by the Houthis. June 6, 2015: Houthi rebels fire a Scud missile into Saudi Arabia from Yemen in apparent retaliation for two months of Saudi and coalition airstrikes.

Houthi rebels fire a Scud missile into Saudi Arabia from Yemen in apparent retaliation for two months of Saudi and coalition airstrikes. December 1, 2015: Houthis attempt and fail to seize Saudi territory near the border with Yemen.

Houthis attempt and fail to seize Saudi territory near the border with Yemen. December 14, 2015: In one of the deadliest attacks to date, Houthis launch a missile into Taez province, killing at least 146 people.

In one of the deadliest attacks to date, Houthis launch a missile into Taez province, killing at least 146 people. December 18-22, 2015: Houthi rebels fire four rockets into Saudi territory. Three are shot down, though one hits a desert area east of Najran city on December 18.

Houthi rebels fire four rockets into Saudi territory. Three are shot down, though one hits a desert area east of Najran city on December 18. December 25, 2015: Houthi rebels launch a failed attack on Yemeni forces stationed near Jabal Al Salb.

Houthi rebels launch a failed attack on Yemeni forces stationed near Jabal Al Salb. January 7, 2016: Houthi forces repel a Saudi Arabian attack at Tawwal border-crossing, killing an estimated 40-60 Saudi troops.

Houthi forces repel a Saudi Arabian attack at Tawwal border-crossing, killing an estimated 40-60 Saudi troops. May 2016 – July 2016: Houthi forces attack Saudi and Yemeni targets along the Yemen border and across the Yemen-Saudi border, collectively killing at least 40 individuals. On May 1, Houthi rebels attack and seize a Saudi military base north of the capital of Sanaa, killing several soldiers guarding the base. On May 8, Houthi rebels conduct a failed missile attack across the Saudi border, violating a truce agreement. Saudi forces intercept the missile and do not retaliate to maintain the truce. Later that month, Houthi rebels and Arab coalition forces clash in southern Yemen, killing 48 individuals, including 28 rebels and 20 coalition soldiers. On June 3, Houthi rebels launched rockets at the western city of Taiz, killing at least 17 civilians, including 10 women and a girl, in a busy marketplace. During the first week of July, Houthi militants fire a missile towards the southern Saudi city of Abha. Saudi forces intercept the missile, leaving no casualties. They also fire a rocket into Yemen’s border town of Marib, killing seven children and wounding 25 other civilians. On July 25, Houthi forces launch a ballistic missile into the Saudi Ahad Al-Masarihah Military Camp along the Yemen border, destroying several armored vehicles and killing a large number of soldiers.

Houthi forces attack Saudi and Yemeni targets along the Yemen border and across the Yemen-Saudi border, collectively killing at least 40 individuals. On May 1, Houthi rebels attack and seize a Saudi military base north of the capital of Sanaa, killing several soldiers guarding the base. On May 8, Houthi rebels conduct a failed missile attack across the Saudi border, violating a truce agreement. Saudi forces intercept the missile and do not retaliate to maintain the truce. Later that month, Houthi rebels and Arab coalition forces clash in southern Yemen, killing 48 individuals, including 28 rebels and 20 coalition soldiers. On June 3, Houthi rebels launched rockets at the western city of Taiz, killing at least 17 civilians, including 10 women and a girl, in a busy marketplace. During the first week of July, Houthi militants fire a missile towards the southern Saudi city of Abha. Saudi forces intercept the missile, leaving no casualties. They also fire a rocket into Yemen’s border town of Marib, killing seven children and wounding 25 other civilians. On July 25, Houthi forces launch a ballistic missile into the Saudi Ahad Al-Masarihah Military Camp along the Yemen border, destroying several armored vehicles and killing a large number of soldiers. July 28, 2016 - August 3, 2016: Houthi militants abduct and murder four tribal sheikhs from Yemen’s Al Bayda province. The bodies display evidence of torture before they were each shot in the head.

Houthi militants abduct and murder four tribal sheikhs from Yemen’s Al Bayda province. The bodies display evidence of torture before they were each shot in the head. August 2016 – September 2016: Houthi forces continue to launch missiles into Saudi Arabia and continue to clash with Saudi and Arab coalition forces along the Saudi-Yemen border. On August 2, UAE forces foil a Houthi forces offensive attempting to recapture strategic locations in Yemen’s southcentral province of Shabwa, killing 30 militants. On August 10, Houthi forces launch two intercepted missiles targeting the southern Saudi city of Abha in a failed attack. The next day, Saudi forces kill Iranian-backed Houthi leader Saleh al-Houthi Mouawad Kibsi and 40 other Houthi militants near the kingdom’s southwestern border with Yemen. Throughout the rest of the month and into September, Houthi forces continue to launch missiles into Saudi Arabia’s southern provinces, killing at least 10 civilians. On September 4, Houthi rebels attack the Saudi border towns of Midi and Haradh, killing between 40 and 50 individuals, including government soldiers. A week later, Houthi rebels claim they captured a Saudi military post in the border region of Jizan. The Saudi military denies these claims.

Houthi forces continue to launch missiles into Saudi Arabia and continue to clash with Saudi and Arab coalition forces along the Saudi-Yemen border. On August 2, UAE forces foil a Houthi forces offensive attempting to recapture strategic locations in Yemen’s southcentral province of Shabwa, killing 30 militants. On August 10, Houthi forces launch two intercepted missiles targeting the southern Saudi city of Abha in a failed attack. The next day, Saudi forces kill Iranian-backed Houthi leader Saleh al-Houthi Mouawad Kibsi and 40 other Houthi militants near the kingdom’s southwestern border with Yemen. Throughout the rest of the month and into September, Houthi forces continue to launch missiles into Saudi Arabia’s southern provinces, killing at least 10 civilians. On September 4, Houthi rebels attack the Saudi border towns of Midi and Haradh, killing between 40 and 50 individuals, including government soldiers. A week later, Houthi rebels claim they captured a Saudi military post in the border region of Jizan. The Saudi military denies these claims. September 21, 2016: Suspected Houthi rebels in the Island of Hanish and Zagar attack the Eritrean international airport and Navy headquarters in Assab, a port city in the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea. The mortar attack causes damage to the sites.

Suspected Houthi rebels in the Island of Hanish and Zagar attack the Eritrean international airport and Navy headquarters in Assab, a port city in the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea. The mortar attack causes damage to the sites. September 24, 2016: Arab coalition forces kill head of Houthi Special Forces Major-General Hassan Almalsi while he and a squad of Houthi fighters were attempting to infiltrate Saudi Arabia’s southern province of Najran.

Arab coalition forces kill head of Houthi Special Forces Major-General Hassan Almalsi while he and a squad of Houthi fighters were attempting to infiltrate Saudi Arabia’s southern province of Najran. October 9, 2016 – October 13, 2016: Houthis are believed to be behind a series of attacks against the U.S. Navy, leading the United States to engage the rebels directly for the first time since the crisis began launching counter-attacks in Houthi-held areas. On October 9, suspected Houthi rebels fire a pair of missiles in a failed attack on the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. On October 12, the Houthis are allegedly behind another failed missile attack on the Mason. The U.S. Navy launches Tomahawk cruise missiles against Houthi-controlled radar sites along the Yemeni coast.

Houthis are believed to be behind a series of attacks against the U.S. Navy, leading the United States to engage the rebels directly for the first time since the crisis began launching counter-attacks in Houthi-held areas. On October 9, suspected Houthi rebels fire a pair of missiles in a failed attack on the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. On October 12, the Houthis are allegedly behind another failed missile attack on the Mason. The U.S. Navy launches Tomahawk cruise missiles against Houthi-controlled radar sites along the Yemeni coast. October 27, 2016: Houthis launch a ballistic missile toward the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, according to a statement by the Saudi-led coalition. Houthis confirm that they had launched a missile into Saudi Arabia but claim that they had been aiming for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Houthis launch a ballistic missile toward the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, according to a statement by the Saudi-led coalition. Houthis confirm that they had launched a missile into Saudi Arabia but claim that they had been aiming for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. November 19, 2016: The Houthis are accused by a Saudi general of launching a ballistic missile at the eastern Saudi province of Marib, in violation of a cease-fire.

The Houthis are accused by a Saudi general of launching a ballistic missile at the eastern Saudi province of Marib, in violation of a cease-fire. January 30, 2017: Houthis attack a Saudi ship off the coast of Yemen, allegedly ramming into the ship and causing an explosion, killing two crew members and injuring three. Separately, the group launches a ballistic missile on a Saudi military base on the Red Sea island of Zuqar. Rockets also hit and damage U.N. offices in southern Saudi Arabia in an attack Saudi Arabia attributed to Houthis.

Houthis attack a Saudi ship off the coast of Yemen, allegedly ramming into the ship and causing an explosion, killing two crew members and injuring three. Separately, the group launches a ballistic missile on a Saudi military base on the Red Sea island of Zuqar. Rockets also hit and damage U.N. offices in southern Saudi Arabia in an attack Saudi Arabia attributed to Houthis. December 2-4, 2017: On December 2, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh offers to “turn a new page” with the Saudi-led coalition fighting against Houthi forces if the Saudis end their month-long blockade of the country. Saleh’s supporters had until then fought alongside Houthi rebels, but the Houthis view Saleh’s offer as a betrayal and fighting breaks out between the rebels and Saleh’s loyalists. At least 125 people are killed and 238 are wounded in the fighting. On December 4, Houthi forces stop Saleh at a checkpoint as he is trying to leave Sanaa and kill the former president. The Houthi-controlled Interior Ministry announces Saleh’s death later in the day. Saleh’s General People’s Congress party confirms he was killed by a sniper. Houthi forces also announce that they had blown up Saleh’s home in Sanaa.

On December 2, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh offers to “turn a new page” with the Saudi-led coalition fighting against Houthi forces if the Saudis end their month-long blockade of the country. Saleh’s supporters had until then fought alongside Houthi rebels, but the Houthis view Saleh’s offer as a betrayal and fighting breaks out between the rebels and Saleh’s loyalists. At least 125 people are killed and 238 are wounded in the fighting. On December 4, Houthi forces stop Saleh at a checkpoint as he is trying to leave Sanaa and kill the former president. The Houthi-controlled Interior Ministry announces Saleh’s death later in the day. Saleh’s General People’s Congress party confirms he was killed by a sniper. Houthi forces also announce that they had blown up Saleh’s home in Sanaa. December 19, 2017: The Houthis target Al Yamama royal palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a missile. Saudi forces says it intercepted the missile.

The Houthis target Al Yamama royal palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a missile. Saudi forces says it intercepted the missile. January 8, 2018: The Houthis release a video that they claim shows the rebels shooting down a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15S over Yemen. Saudi Arabia confirms the crash but says it is due to “technical errors.”

The Houthis release a video that they claim shows the rebels shooting down a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15S over Yemen. Saudi Arabia confirms the crash but says it is due to “technical errors.” January 30, 2018: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Airport.

The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Airport. March 25, 2018: Houthi rebels fire seven modified scud missiles at Saudi Arabia. Four missiles target air defense and military bases in the cities of Abha, Jizan, and Najran. Three missiles target Riyadh, killing one civilian.

Houthi rebels fire seven modified scud missiles at Saudi Arabia. Four missiles target air defense and military bases in the cities of Abha, Jizan, and Najran. Three missiles target Riyadh, killing one civilian. April 3, 2018: The Houthis claim to damage a coalition warship near Hodeidah while Saudi Arabia claims the group targeted an oil tanker, causing only minor damage to the ship.

The Houthis claim to damage a coalition warship near Hodeidah while Saudi Arabia claims the group targeted an oil tanker, causing only minor damage to the ship. April 11, 2018: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and claim to conduct a drone attack on a Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Jizan province.

The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and claim to conduct a drone attack on a Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Jizan province. April 28, 2018: The Houthis launch eight ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province. Four missiles are intercepted and one Saudi national is killed.

The Houthis launch eight ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province. Four missiles are intercepted and one Saudi national is killed. May 9, 2018: The Houthis fire multiple missiles at Riyadh targeting “economic centers.” At least four blasts are heard throughout the city.

The Houthis fire multiple missiles at Riyadh targeting “economic centers.” At least four blasts are heard throughout the city. May 10, 2018: The Houthis are suspected of targeting and damaging a Turkish cargo ship delivering 50,000 tons of wheat to the Yemeni port of Salif.

The Houthis are suspected of targeting and damaging a Turkish cargo ship delivering 50,000 tons of wheat to the Yemeni port of Salif. June 10, 2018: The Houthis launch a missile at Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province, killing three civilians.

The Houthis launch a missile at Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province, killing three civilians. June 13, 2018: The Houthis strike a UAE naval vessel with two missiles near Hodeidah. The attack occurs during a Saudi-led operation to recapture the port city.

The Houthis strike a UAE naval vessel with two missiles near Hodeidah. The attack occurs during a Saudi-led operation to recapture the port city. July 18, 2018: The Houthis claim to have attacked a Saudi Aramco refinery in Riyadh with a drone. The oil company denies this claim, stating that the fire at the facility was caused by “an operational incident.”

The Houthis claim to have attacked a Saudi Aramco refinery in Riyadh with a drone. The oil company denies this claim, stating that the fire at the facility was caused by “an operational incident.” July 25, 2018: The Houthis slightly damage a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea.

The Houthis slightly damage a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea. August 4, 2018: The Houthis claim to conduct a drone attack against a Saudi military base in the country’s Asir province.

The Houthis claim to conduct a drone attack against a Saudi military base in the country’s Asir province. August 6, 2018: Houthi rebels launch a missile at the Saudi city of Najran. The missile is intercepted by Saudi air defense systems and no casualties are reported.

Houthi rebels launch a missile at the Saudi city of Najran. The missile is intercepted by Saudi air defense systems and no casualties are reported. August 9, 2018: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at the Saudi city of Jizan, killing one civilian and wounding 11 others.

The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at the Saudi city of Jizan, killing one civilian and wounding 11 others. August 27, 2018: The Houthis claim to target a UAE airport with a drone. The UAE denies the attack occurred and there is no evidence of any damage to the facility.

The Houthis claim to target a UAE airport with a drone. The UAE denies the attack occurred and there is no evidence of any damage to the facility. September 4, 2018: The Houthis claim a missile attack on an Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province.

The Houthis claim a missile attack on an Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province. September 5, 2018: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at the Saudi city of Najran. Twenty-six people are wounded by shrapnel when the missile is intercepted by Saudi defense systems.

The Houthis launch a ballistic missile at the Saudi city of Najran. Twenty-six people are wounded by shrapnel when the missile is intercepted by Saudi defense systems. September 15, 2018: Saudi Arabia intercepts a Houthi missile targeting Jizan, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia intercepts a Houthi missile targeting Jizan, Saudi Arabia. September 20, 2018: Saudi Arabia intercepts two Houthi-controlled boats laden with explosives outside of the Saudi port of Jizan.

Saudi Arabia intercepts two Houthi-controlled boats laden with explosives outside of the Saudi port of Jizan. October 5, 2018: Houthi forces fire three shells at an IDP camp in Hodeidah, killing one woman and injuring others.

Houthi forces fire three shells at an IDP camp in Hodeidah, killing one woman and injuring others. December 7, 2018: An Associated Press report accuses the Houthis of carrying out rampant detention and torture of political opponents in areas under its control.

An Associated Press report accuses the Houthis of carrying out rampant detention and torture of political opponents in areas under its control. January 5, 2019: Houthi forces kill two civilians and wound 16 others when they shell the 7th July neighborhood of Taiz.

Houthi forces kill two civilians and wound 16 others when they shell the 7th July neighborhood of Taiz. January 10, 2019: Houthi forces target a Yemeni military parade with a drone, killing five and wounding twenty soldiers, including the Yemeni army’s chief of staff who would later die of his wounds.

Houthi forces target a Yemeni military parade with a drone, killing five and wounding twenty soldiers, including the Yemeni army’s chief of staff who would later die of his wounds. February 17, 2019: Houthi forces launch several attacks across Yemen’s northern border killing nine Saudi soldiers in the provinces of Aseer, Jazan, and Najran.

Houthi forces launch several attacks across Yemen’s northern border killing nine Saudi soldiers in the provinces of Aseer, Jazan, and Najran. March 11, 2019: After weeks of intense fighting, Houthi forces seize several besieged villages in northern Yemen. Pro-government media outlets accuse the Houthis of killing 62 civilians and displacing 268 families. The Houthis blame the Saudi-backed coalition for some of the civilian deaths.

After weeks of intense fighting, Houthi forces seize several besieged villages in northern Yemen. Pro-government media outlets accuse the Houthis of killing 62 civilians and displacing 268 families. The Houthis blame the Saudi-backed coalition for some of the civilian deaths. May 14, 2019: The Houthis carry out several drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

The Houthis carry out several drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. May 15, 2019: Fighting resumes between the Houthis and pro-government forces in Hodeidah, threatening the cease-fire there.

Fighting resumes between the Houthis and pro-government forces in Hodeidah, threatening the cease-fire there. May 20, 2019: The Houthis launch two ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government says it intercepted the missiles over Mecca province.

The Houthis launch two ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government says it intercepted the missiles over Mecca province. May 21, 2019: The Houthis attack an airport in the Saudi city of Najran with a bomb-laden drone.

The Houthis attack an airport in the Saudi city of Najran with a bomb-laden drone. June 11, 2019: The Houthis launch two drones at the southwest Saudi city of Khamis Mushait.

The Houthis launch two drones at the southwest Saudi city of Khamis Mushait. June 12, 2019: The Houthis successfully strike Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport with a cruise missile, injuring a reported 26.

The Houthis successfully strike Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport with a cruise missile, injuring a reported 26. June 19, 2019: A Houthi-launched projectile hits a power-transformer station near a desalination plant in Saudi Arabia.

A Houthi-launched projectile hits a power-transformer station near a desalination plant in Saudi Arabia. June 23, 2019: The Houthis successfully strike Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport with a cruise missile, killing one.

The Houthis successfully strike Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport with a cruise missile, killing one. July 2, 2019: The Houthis again strike Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport, this time with a drone, injuring nine.

The Houthis again strike Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport, this time with a drone, injuring nine. July 6, 2019: Houthi forces carry out drone attacks on military sites at the Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia. Earlier that day, Houthis also claim targeting warplane hangars and other military sites in Saudi Jizan airport.

Houthi forces carry out drone attacks on military sites at the Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia. Earlier that day, Houthis also claim targeting warplane hangars and other military sites in Saudi Jizan airport. July 15, 2019: The Saudi-led coalition intercepts and downs three Houthi drones that were launched towards the southwestern Saudi cities of Jizan and Abha.

The Saudi-led coalition intercepts and downs three Houthi drones that were launched towards the southwestern Saudi cities of Jizan and Abha. July 16, 2019: Houthi forces launch a drone attack on Jizan airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Houthi forces launch a drone attack on Jizan airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia. July 20, 2019: Saudi-coalition fighter jets take out at least five Houthi air defense sites around Sanaa.

Saudi-coalition fighter jets take out at least five Houthi air defense sites around Sanaa. July 28, 2019: Houthi forces launch indiscriminate attacks in the Al-Rawdhah neighborhood of Taiz. The attack kills one child and injures three others.

Houthi forces launch indiscriminate attacks in the Al-Rawdhah neighborhood of Taiz. The attack kills one child and injures three others. July 29, 2019: The Saudi-coalition launches an airstrike on a market in northern Yemen, killing 14 people and wounding more than 26 others. The attack is a response to a Houthi drone attack on a Saudi airbase.

The Saudi-coalition launches an airstrike on a market in northern Yemen, killing 14 people and wounding more than 26 others. The attack is a response to a Houthi drone attack on a Saudi airbase. August 1, 2019: Houthi rebels initiate twin attacks in the city of Aden. Suicide bombers blast a police station in one neighborhood while the rebels fire a missile at a military parade of UAE-trained militia. At least 51 people are killed in the attacks.

Houthi rebels initiate twin attacks in the city of Aden. Suicide bombers blast a police station in one neighborhood while the rebels fire a missile at a military parade of UAE-trained militia. At least 51 people are killed in the attacks. August 5, 2019: Houthi forces launch drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid Air Base and Abha and Najran airports.

Houthi forces launch drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid Air Base and Abha and Najran airports. August 13, 2019: Yemen’s Houthi movement launches drone attacks on the airport of Abha in southwest Saudi Arabia.

Yemen’s Houthi movement launches drone attacks on the airport of Abha in southwest Saudi Arabia. August 16, 2019: The Houthis launch drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha international airport, halting air traffic. The Saudi-led coalition reports that the drone was intercepted and shot down.

The Houthis launch drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha international airport, halting air traffic. The Saudi-led coalition reports that the drone was intercepted and shot down. August 17, 2019: Houthi rebels deploy 10 drones to strike Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah oil field, one of the kingdom’s largest. There are no injuries and no disruption to the field’s production.

Houthi rebels deploy 10 drones to strike Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah oil field, one of the kingdom’s largest. There are no injuries and no disruption to the field’s production. August 19, 2019: The Houthis launch a ballistic missile on a military parade in the province of Marib. Official numbers have not been reported, but the attack kills and wounds dozens of soldiers.

The Houthis launch a ballistic missile on a military parade in the province of Marib. Official numbers have not been reported, but the attack kills and wounds dozens of soldiers. August 21, 2019: Houthi rebels shoot down a U.S. drone with an air missile. The U.S. suspects the missile to be provided by Iran although the Houthis claim the weapon was developed locally.

Houthi rebels shoot down a U.S. drone with an air missile. The U.S. suspects the missile to be provided by Iran although the Houthis claim the weapon was developed locally. August 22, 2019: Houthi forces launch two drones towards the city of Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia. Saudi forces intercept and down the two drones.

Houthi forces launch two drones towards the city of Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia. Saudi forces intercept and down the two drones. August 25, 2019: Houthi rebels fire 10 ballistic missiles at Jizan airport in southwest Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition intercepts and destroys at least six of the missiles. It is unreported if there were any casualties in the attack. That same day, the Arab military coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen intercept and down a drone that the rebels claim they launched in the direction of a Saudi airbase. A Houthi military spokesperson cited by the group’s Al Masirah TV earlier said the group had launched drones targeting the control towers of the Abha airport and the Khamis Mushait airbase, both in the southwest of the kingdom.

Houthi rebels fire 10 ballistic missiles at Jizan airport in southwest Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition intercepts and destroys at least six of the missiles. It is unreported if there were any casualties in the attack. That same day, the Arab military coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen intercept and down a drone that the rebels claim they launched in the direction of a Saudi airbase. A Houthi military spokesperson cited by the group’s Al Masirah TV earlier said the group had launched drones targeting the control towers of the Abha airport and the Khamis Mushait airbase, both in the southwest of the kingdom. August 26, 2019: Houthi rebels launch armed drones at a “military target” in Riyadh. It is unreported if there are any casualties or injuries.

Houthi rebels launch armed drones at a “military target” in Riyadh. It is unreported if there are any casualties or injuries. August 27, 2019: Saudi-led coalition forces intercept and down a Houthi drone launched toward the kingdom from Yemen. Houthi’s Al Masirah TV does not announce the attack. Also on the 27 th , Houthi rebels conduct a large-scale attack in Saada. As many as 25 soldiers of the Saudi-backed government forces are killed and an unreported number are injured.

Saudi-led coalition forces intercept and down a Houthi drone launched toward the kingdom from Yemen. Houthi’s Al Masirah TV does not announce the attack. Also on the 27 , Houthi rebels conduct a large-scale attack in Saada. As many as 25 soldiers of the Saudi-backed government forces are killed and an unreported number are injured. August 28, 2019: Houthi rebels launch a cruise missile towards Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport. Yahya Saria, the group’s military spokesman, confirms Houthi responsibility for the attack. The missile targeted plane hangars and led to air traffic being halted in the airport. No casualties or injuries are reported. Also that day, the Houthis launch armed drones on “military targets” in the Saudi regions of Jizan and Najran.

Houthi rebels launch a cruise missile towards Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport. Yahya Saria, the group’s military spokesman, confirms Houthi responsibility for the attack. The missile targeted plane hangars and led to air traffic being halted in the airport. No casualties or injuries are reported. Also that day, the Houthis launch armed drones on “military targets” in the Saudi regions of Jizan and Najran. September 1, 2019: The Saudi-led military coalition launch airstrikes in southwest Yemen, eventually hitting a prison complex. The Sunni Muslim coalition says it destroyed a site storing drones and missiles in Dhamar. Over 100 people are killed in the attack. The head of the Houthis’ national committee for prisoner affairs, Abdul Qader al-Mortada, said many of those held were due to be released in a local deal to exchange prisoners of war.

The Saudi-led military coalition launch airstrikes in southwest Yemen, eventually hitting a prison complex. The Sunni Muslim coalition says it destroyed a site storing drones and missiles in Dhamar. Over 100 people are killed in the attack. The head of the Houthis’ national committee for prisoner affairs, Abdul Qader al-Mortada, said many of those held were due to be released in a local deal to exchange prisoners of war. September 3, 2019: Houthi rebels launch multiple drone attacks on King Khalid Air Base in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. Earlier in the day, Houthis fire several ballistic missiles towards Najran airport in the southwest of the kingdom. No casualties or injuries are reported in both instances.

Houthi rebels launch multiple drone attacks on King Khalid Air Base in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. Earlier in the day, Houthis fire several ballistic missiles towards Najran airport in the southwest of the kingdom. No casualties or injuries are reported in both instances. September 14, 2019: Drone attacks are launched on two key oil installations in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claim responsibility for the attack. Although there are no casualties, the damaged oil facilities process the majority of the country’s crude output which raises the risk of a disruption in world oil supplies. In January 2020, a U.N. Security Council investigation concludes that the Houthis did not carry out the attack.

Drone attacks are launched on two key oil installations in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claim responsibility for the attack. Although there are no casualties, the damaged oil facilities process the majority of the country’s crude output which raises the risk of a disruption in world oil supplies. In January 2020, a U.N. Security Council investigation concludes that the Houthis did not carry out the attack. September 28, 2019: Houthi rebels claim to have killed 500 Saudi soldiers, captured a further 2,000, and seized a convoy of Saudi military vehicles in the southern Najran region of Saudi Arabia. The claims could not be corroborated have been denied by Saudi forces.

Houthi rebels claim to have killed 500 Saudi soldiers, captured a further 2,000, and seized a convoy of Saudi military vehicles in the southern Najran region of Saudi Arabia. The claims could not be corroborated have been denied by Saudi forces. November 6, 2019: Houthi rebels launch drones and fire at least four missiles at warehouses in the port town of al-Makha, killing at least eight and wounding at least 12. At least three other missiles are intercepted. The warehouses are used by the Giants Bridges militia allied with Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Government forces say the attack also targeted a refugee camp and a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders.

Houthi rebels launch drones and fire at least four missiles at warehouses in the port town of al-Makha, killing at least eight and wounding at least 12. At least three other missiles are intercepted. The warehouses are used by the Giants Bridges militia allied with Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Government forces say the attack also targeted a refugee camp and a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders. November 17, 2019: Houthi rebels hijack the Saudi tugboat Rabigh-3 while it is towing a South Korean drilling rig in the Red Sea. A Houthi spokesman acknowledges the seizure in what he calls a “suspicious case” off the Yemeni coast. He says the boat will be released if it is determined to belong to South Korea.

Houthi rebels hijack the Saudi tugboat Rabigh-3 while it is towing a South Korean drilling rig in the Red Sea. A Houthi spokesman acknowledges the seizure in what he calls a “suspicious case” off the Yemeni coast. He says the boat will be released if it is determined to belong to South Korea. December 29, 2019: A ballistic missile strikes a military parade for new recruits held at a soccer field in the capital of Dhale Province by the UAE-backed separatist militia the Resistance Forces. The attack kills at least 10, including four children, and wounds 21. There are no immediate claims of responsibility but the militia blames Houthi rebels.

A ballistic missile strikes a military parade for new recruits held at a soccer field in the capital of Dhale Province by the UAE-backed separatist militia the Resistance Forces. The attack kills at least 10, including four children, and wounds 21. There are no immediate claims of responsibility but the militia blames Houthi rebels. January 2020: On January 18, ballistic missiles strike a mosque at the al-Estiqbal military camp in Marib, killing at least 116 people. It is reportedly one of the deadliest attacks in the civil war. There are no immediate claims of responsibility but the government blames Houthi rebels. On January 20, government forces fight Houthi rebels east of Marib. Senior Houthi commander Jaber Al Muwaed is reportedly killed in the fighting.

On January 18, ballistic missiles strike a mosque at the al-Estiqbal military camp in Marib, killing at least 116 people. It is reportedly one of the deadliest attacks in the civil war. There are no immediate claims of responsibility but the government blames Houthi rebels. On January 20, government forces fight Houthi rebels east of Marib. Senior Houthi commander Jaber Al Muwaed is reportedly killed in the fighting. January 25, 2020 – January 30, 2020: Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, releases a statement claiming the Iran-aligned group has launched 26 rocket attacks between January 25th and the 30th against airports in southern Saudi Arabia. The targets also included the facilities of oil company Saudi Aramco, and “two sensitive targets.” Saudi authorities have not confirmed the strikes, but if confirmed, they will be the first by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia since September 2019.

Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, releases a statement claiming the Iran-aligned group has launched 26 rocket attacks between January 25th and the 30th against airports in southern Saudi Arabia. The targets also included the facilities of oil company Saudi Aramco, and “two sensitive targets.” Saudi authorities have not confirmed the strikes, but if confirmed, they will be the first by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia since September 2019. February 11, 2020: Houthi rebels carry out a missile attack against the Amajed army base in Abyan, southern Yemen. The attack kills three soldiers and wounds 15 others.

Houthi rebels carry out a missile attack against the Amajed army base in Abyan, southern Yemen. The attack kills three soldiers and wounds 15 others. March 14, 2020: Houthi militants carry out a missile attack in Taiz, southwest Yemen. The missile strikes a civilian vehicle, killing five and wounding an unconfirmed number of others.

Houthi militants carry out a missile attack in Taiz, southwest Yemen. The missile strikes a civilian vehicle, killing five and wounding an unconfirmed number of others. March 17, 2020: Houthi rebels launch ballistic missiles in Al-Yatma, north of Al-Jawf. The attack targeted a meeting of senior military and tribal leaders, including Amin Al-Akeemi, the governor of Al-Jawf. Al-Akeemi survives the attack, but four others are killed.

Houthi rebels launch ballistic missiles in Al-Yatma, north of Al-Jawf. The attack targeted a meeting of senior military and tribal leaders, including Amin Al-Akeemi, the governor of Al-Jawf. Al-Akeemi survives the attack, but four others are killed. March 28, 2020: Houthi rebels launch ballistic missiles, targeting Riyadh and Jizan, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercept the attack. However, two civilians are injured from debris fallout.

Houthi rebels launch ballistic missiles, targeting Riyadh and Jizan, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercept the attack. However, two civilians are injured from debris fallout. April 6, 2020: Houthi rebels launch a shelling attack in Taiz, southwestern Yemen. The shelling hits a women’s prison, killing at least six prisoners.

Designations

Designations by the U.S. Government: April 14, 2015: The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Houthi leader “Abdul Malik al-Houthi” as a Specially Designated National (SDN). The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated former commander of Yemen’s Republican Guard “Ahmed Ali Saleh” as a Specially Designated National (SDN). Designations by Foreign Governments and Organizations: Saudi Arabia designated the Houthis as a terrorist group in March 2014. The United Arab Emirates designated “The Houthi Movement in Yemen” as a terrorist organization in November 2014. November 7, 2014: The U.N. Security Council designated “Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi.” November 7, 2014: The U.N. Security Council designated “Abdullah Yahya al Hakim.” April 14, 2015: The U.N. Security Council designated “Abdulmalik al-Houthi.”

Associations

Ties to Extremist Entities: Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) Houthi militants have engaged in violent clashes with al-Qaeda’s Yemeni branch, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). While the Houthis are opposed to Salafist encroachment in their stronghold, analysts have noticed that the two groups have at times appeared to enter in an alliance against the Yemeni government. Badr Organization No known cooperative links exist between the Houthis and Iraqi Shiite paramilitary group the Badr Organization. Badr members have, however, rallied in Iraq in support of the Houthi rebels. Hamas Higher-ups in the Houthi movement have expressed support for Hamas. Before he was killed in 2004, Houthis founder Hussein al-Houthi made it a point to praise Hamas for its wars against Israel. In October 2014, a member of the Houthis political party stated that the Houthis and Hamas share “a common stand vis-a-vis Israel” and the United States. Hezbollah Saudi officials allege that Hezbollah has provided training to the Houthi rebels. According to the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, the “first thing the Houthis did when they entered and occupied Sanaa was to free Iranian Revolutionary Guards operatives and Hezbollah operatives from the jails.” Moreover, Houthi rhetoric as early as 2004 indicates the group looks up to Hezbollah due to its anti-American, anti-Israel stance. According to a number of analysts, the Houthis may also have modeled their organization after Hezbollah. In October 2014, the Associated Press reported that the Houthis were “poised to become Yemen’s version of the Shiite Hezbollah in Lebanon—top powerbrokers dominating the government and running a virtual state-within-a-state.” Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) The Houthis have received training and military equipment from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, the “first thing the Houthis did when they entered and occupied Sanaa was to free Iranian Revolutionary Guards operatives and Hezbollah operatives from the jails.”< The Iranian ship Jihan I was seized allegedly en route to Yemen in 2013 with arms meant for the Houthis. The cache, as Reuters reported in December 2014, included, “Katyusha rockets M-122, heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles, RPG-7s, Iranian-made night vision goggles and ‘artillery systems that track land and navy targets 40km away’”as well as “silencers, 2.66 tonnes of RDX explosives, C-4 explosives, ammunition, bullets and electrical transistors.” Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Higher-ups in the Houthi movement have expressed support for Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthis political party, has stated that the Houthis and PIJ share “a common stand vis-a-vis Israel” and the United States.

Rhetoric