Armed Houthi child soldiers
The Houthis are are a dominant terrorist group amidst the mass conflict in Yemen. The Houthi movement has been a pivotal player in Yemeni politics and the broader Middle Eastern dynamics for decades. But who exactly are the Houthis, and why are they at the center of conflict?
The roots of the Houthi movement trace back to the Zaydi Shiite community in Yemen. Historically marginalized, Zaydi Shiites found themselves in opposition to the rule of Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen's former president, whose governance was marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Formed in the 1990s, the Houthis emerged as a resistance group, advocating for the rights of their community and challenging the status quo.
Houthi soldiers cheering from a truck.
Fighting corruption lies at the heart of the Houthi's political program. Their rhetoric often resonates with the grievances of the Yemeni populace, promising to root out corruption and establish a more just society. However, their methods and tactics have drawn criticism, especially regarding their approach to governance and human rights.
The Houthi movement has garnered support from external actors, most notably Iran. This support has fueled perceptions of the Houthis as proxies for Iranian interests in the region. Additionally, the Houthis have maintained a vehemently anti-American and anti-Israel stance, further complicating their relationships with Western powers and regional actors.
Recent developments have thrust the Houthis into the spotlight once again, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Expressing solidarity with Iran and Palestinians, the Houthis have sought to assert their power and influence by targeting Israeli cargo ships in the Red Sea. This escalation underscores the complexities of regional dynamics and the interconnectedness of conflicts in the Middle East.
A disturbing aspect of the Houthi movement is their recruitment of children into armed conflict. Reports indicate that the Houthi forces have been actively recruiting children since 2009, with a notable increase in recruitment efforts in recent months. Children as young as 13 are indoctrinated with militant ideology, often taken from schools and sent to military camps to undergo training.
The Houthi's recruitment of children is not an isolated phenomenon. Other terrorist organizations, such as ISIS, Hamas, and Hezbollah, have also exploited children for their nefarious agendas. From acting as messengers to participating in armed combat, children are tragically manipulated and robbed of their innocence in these conflicts.
In addition to mass conflict, Yemen is experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Millions of people have limited access to food, water, and other necessities. Children in Yemen need your help!
Organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children provide vital assistance to Yemen's most vulnerable populations.
Below are the links to donate to UNICEF and Save the Children.
Works Cited
“Guzansky: Houthis became involved in Israel-Hamas war because they want ‘to pay their debt to Iran.’” CNN, 27 December 2023, https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/12/27/exp-israel-hamas-gaza-yemen-houthi-iran-red-sea-122712pseg1-cnni-world.cnn. Accessed 9 March 2024.
“Who are the Houthis, and why are we at war with them? | Brookings.” Brookings Institution, 18 December 2017, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/who-are-the-houthis-and-why-are-we-at-war-with-them/. Accessed 9 March 2024.
Comments