The Houthi Conflict: A Comprehensive Guide

Background of the Conflict

The Houthi conflict is a complex and multifaceted war that has been raging in Yemen since 2014. The conflict pits the Houthi rebels, a Zaydi Shiite group, against the Yemeni government led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The Houthis have been fighting to establish their own state in northern Yemen, while the government has been backed by a Saudi-led coalition of Arab states.

Causes of the Conflict

The roots of the Houthi conflict lie in the country's long history of political and economic instability. The Houthis have long felt marginalized by the Yemeni government, which they accuse of corruption and discrimination.

A key factor in the escalation of the conflict was the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2014. The Houthis saw ISIS as a threat to their own territory and began to expand their control in order to counter the group.

Regional Involvement

The Houthi conflict has become a regional proxy war, with Saudi Arabia and Iran backing opposing sides. Saudi Arabia views the Houthis as a threat to its own security and has been providing military support to the Yemeni government.

Iran, on the other hand, has been providing financial and military support to the Houthis. Iran sees the Houthis as a natural ally in its own regional struggle with Saudi Arabia.

Humanitarian Crisis

The Houthi conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The war has led to widespread displacement, food shortages, and access to clean water.

According to the United Nations, over 24 million Yemenis are in need of humanitarian assistance. The war has also caused a major outbreak of cholera, with over 1.2 million cases reported since 2017.

Peace Efforts

There have been several attempts to end the Houthi conflict, but none have been successful. The United Nations has been leading peace talks between the Houthis and the Yemeni government, but these talks have stalled due to the lack of trust between the two sides.