Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi is the current leader of the Houthi political, religious and militant movement, which is a major political player in Yemen and the region.

Houthi: The Houthi movement was estab­lished in 1992 by Hussein Badr Al-Din Al-Houthi, a Zaydi Shia scholar and anti-Wahhabi who wrote a number of books criticising Wah­habism and the leading authorities of Yemen. The Zaidis ruled most of Yemen for over 1,000 years un­til 1962, when they were overthrown by republican revolutionaries.

Taking Yemen: Abdul-Malik emerged as a leader after the February 2011 uprising, seized control over Saada and Jawf provinces in 2011 and in September 2014 they stormed the capital Sana’a, seizing a large number of ministries and military facilities. He has driven Al-Qaeda out of the regions which the Houthis have taken.

Bombing Yemen: From 2015-2022, Houthi-controlled territories (North Yemen) were subject to aerial bombings by a Saudi-led coalition. This bombing of one of the world’s poorest countries led to over 150,000 fatalities and a humanitarian crisis claiming over 200,000 lives, as well as leaving around 70% of the popu­lation (27 million) reliant on humanitarian aid, and over a million people infected by cholera. 

Supporting Gaza: Public support for Gaza has seen regular million-plus rallies in Yemen. Other support has seen the Houthi anti-shipping campaign selectively impose disruptions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on ships and cargoes with links to Israel and its supporters. To date they have targeted over 70 vessels, seizing one and sinking two. They have also hit Tel Aviv with a drone. Israeli, USA and UK air forces have bombed Yemen ports and infrastructure in retaliation.