Houthi Terrorism, and particularly attacks on commercial shipping – and also recently on British and American warships – has led us somewhat inevitably to this morning’s news of military action against bases in Yemen.

The Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, has emerged as a significant player in the region.

While the group portrays itself as a political and revolutionary movement, its activities have been widely criticised and labeled as terrorism by various international actors.

Understanding the intricacies of Houthi terrorism requires delving into the historical, political, and religious dimensions that have fuelled the conflict in Yemen.

Roots of the Houthi Movement

Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi

The roots of the Houthi movement can be traced back to the early 1990s when Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, a Zaidi Shiite cleric, founded the movement in response to what he perceived as discrimination against the Zaidi community in Yemen.

Zaidism, a branch of Shiite Islam, had historically been prevalent in northern Yemen, and the Houthis sought to protect their religious and cultural identity.

As the movement gained momentum, its leaders voiced opposition to the Yemeni government, accusing it of corruption, marginalisation, and collusion with foreign powers.

The Houthi insurgency intensified over the years, culminating in a series of conflicts with the Yemeni government and eventually leading to the Arab Spring in 2011.

The Houthi-Saleh Alliance

One of the key factors contributing to the Houthi insurgency’s strength has been its alliance with powerful elements within the Yemeni military.

During the Arab Spring, the Houthi movement formed a strategic partnership with forces loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had been ousted from power but still commanded significant influence.

This alliance allowed the Houthis to exploit existing power vacuums and capitalize on the disarray within Yemen’s political landscape.

The convergence of Houthi militias and Saleh loyalists created a formidable force that challenged both the Yemeni government and external actors.

Iranian Support

The Houthi movement’s alleged connections with Iran have further complicated the Yemeni crisis. While the Houthis deny being proxies for Iran, evidence suggests otherwise.

The flow of weapons, including ballistic missiles, from Iran to the Houthi rebels has raised concerns among regional and international actors, accusing Iran of fueling the conflict.

Iran’s involvement in Yemen has exacerbated tensions in the already volatile region, contributing to the broader geopolitical struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The Saudi-led coalition, supported by the United States and other allies, intervened in Yemen in 2015 to counter what they perceived as Iranian expansionism and to restore the Yemeni government’s authority.

The hand of Putin

Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, has sought to expand its influence globally and reassert itself as a key player in international affairs. Supporting the Houthi rebels aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of countering Western dominance in the region.

One key aspect of Russian support for the Houthi rebels is the provision of arms and military assistance.

Thaqib-2 is a re-roled R-27 Russian supplied air-to-air missile

Reports suggest that Russia has supplied the rebels with weapons, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft guided missiles and other advanced weaponry.

The Thaqib-2, for example, is a Russian air-to-air missile re-roled as a surface-to-air missile, supplied by Russia.

This military support has undoubtedly bolstered the Houthi rebels’ capabilities on the battlefield, allowing them to sustain their fight against the internationally recognized government and its coalition led by Saudi Arabia.

In addition to military aid, Russia has engaged in diplomatic efforts to legitimise the Houthi rebels on the international stage.

Moscow has consistently opposed United Nations resolutions condemning the Houthi insurgency, often using its veto power in the Security Council to shield the rebels from sanctions.

By doing so, Russia not only undermines the international community’s attempts to resolve the Yemeni crisis but also strengthens the Houthi rebels’ position by providing them with diplomatic cover.

Economic interests also play a role in Russia’s support for the Houthi rebels.

Yemen’s strategic location along key maritime routes, including the Bab el Mandeb strait, makes it a valuable geopolitical asset.

By aligning with the Houthi rebels, Russia gains a foothold in the region and potentially secures access to Yemen’s resources.

Additionally, the ongoing conflict has created a humanitarian crisis, opening avenues for Russian companies to engage in reconstruction efforts and secure economic contracts.

The Houthi rebels, for their part, view Russia as a reliable ally in their struggle for control and recognition. The support from a major global power not only strengthens their military capabilities but also enhances their legitimacy on the international stage.

The Houthi leadership has repeatedly praised Russia for its stance in the United Nations and its military assistance, portraying the relationship as a partnership against perceived Western aggression.

Despite evidence of Russian involvement with the Houthi rebels, Moscow has consistently denied direct military support, framing its engagement as diplomatic and humanitarian.

This ambiguity allows Russia to maintain a level of plausible deniability while still exerting influence in the region.

Immediately after the Anglo-American airstrikes, Russia called an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Friday to discuss military strikes on Yemen.

Does Russia exert operational influence over Houthi rebels in Yemen?

This remains, as yet, an unanswered question. However Russia has historically backed terrorist groups active in the west, such as the Provisional IRA, the PLO, and others.

The military, diplomatic, and economic support provided by Russia to the Houthi has significantly impacted the dynamics of the Yemeni civil war, prolonging the conflict and complicating international efforts to find a resolution, which plays directly into Putin’s hands.

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Read also: Anglo-American air & naval forces strike 16 Houthi rebel bases in Yemen.

Targets in the capital Sanaa, the Houthi Red Sea port of Hudaydah, Dhamar and north-western Houthi stronghold of Saada were successfully engaged.

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