On January 12, in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, Houthi fighters displayed their weapons in a protest triggered by airstrikes conducted by U.S. and British forces. (Image: Mohammed Huwais/AFP/Getty Images)
In 2010, Yemen's capital, Sanaa, witnessed an unusual pageant celebrating national unity under the rule of former strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh. Children portraying threats to the country, including a little-known Shia rebel group, foreshadowed events four years later when the rebels seized power, leading to a decade-long civil war.
Now, these rebels, known as the Houthis, have shifted their focus to the international stage. Claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, they targeted Red Sea shipping lanes. Analysts suggest this move aims to divert attention from domestic issues, such as criticism over governance and pressure to fulfill humanitarian obligations.
Yemeni human rights activist Baara Shiban notes the Houthis' exploitation of global events to quell dissent, especially amid U.S. and British airstrikes on Houthi targets. Ahmed Nagi, a Yemen analyst, concurs, describing the recent Gaza conflict as a convenient distraction from internal issues.
The Houthi strategy appears successful, with increased recruitment through the exploitation of anti-Israel sentiments. Activists and critics face rising arrests, often overshadowed by global events. Since seizing power in 2014, Yemen has endured a proxy war between a Saudi-led coalition and Iranian-backed Houthis, resulting in a dire humanitarian crisis and an estimated 377,000 deaths by 2022.
While an uneasy truce has prevailed since April 2022, concerns loom over the potential reignition of conflict due to the Red Sea crisis. The World Food Program reports acute malnutrition affecting millions, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences of aid distribution disruption.
As the Houthi militia expels aid workers with Western passports and NGOs reassess security in the aftermath of airstrikes, human rights activist Radhya Almutawakel warns against a new cycle of violence. She urges political agreements rather than war, citing a missed opportunity for diplomacy between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
However, the internationally recognized government in Aden, backed by the Southern Transitional Council, introduces complexities to the peace process. Ahmed Nagi highlights challenges, including differing negotiating teams, hindering comprehensive peace agreements.
Despite Western airstrikes, the Houthis remain undeterred, continuing their attacks on U.S. and British warships. Yemeni analyst Baraa Shiban notes the group's ambition to extend its influence beyond Yemen, likening it to Iran's "axis of resistance."
In the face of criticism, the Houthis' ability to govern remains questionable, emphasizing the multifaceted challenges Yemen faces. As the nation teeters on the edge of renewed conflict, the hope for political resolution seems distant.
