Houthi insurgency in

The Houthi insurgency in Yemen,[63][64] also known as Bahah tendered their resignations to parliament, which the Houthi rebellion, Sa'dah War, or Sa'dah conflict, reportedly refused to accept them.[72] is a civil war that originated in Northern Yemen.[65] It be- gan in June 2004 when dissident cleric Hussein Badred- din al-Houthi, head of the Zaidi Shia sect, launched an 1 Background uprising against the Yemeni government. Most of the fighting has taken place in Sa'dah Governorate in north- western Yemen although some of the fighting spread to In 1962, a revolution in North Yemen ended over 1,000 neighbouring governorates Hajjah, 'Amran, al-Jawf and years of rule by Zaidi Imams, a branch of Shia Islam, who the Saudi province of Jizan. claimed descent from the Islamic prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Sa'dah, in the north, was their main The Yemeni government alleged that the Houthis were stronghold and since their fall from power the region seeking to overthrow it and to implement Shī‘a religious was largely ignored economically and remains underde- law. The rebels counter that they are “defending veloped. The Yemeni government has little authority in their community against discrimination” and government .[73] aggression.[66] The Yemeni government has accused Iran of directing and financing the insurgency.[67] During Yemen’s 1994 civil war, the wahhabis, an Islamic group adhering to a strict version of Sunni Islam found In August 2009, the Yemeni Army launched a fresh in neighboring , helped the government in offensive against the Houthis in the northern Sa'ada its fight against the secessionist south. Zaidis complain province. Hundreds of thousands of people were dis- the government has subsequently allowed the wahhabis placed by the fighting. The conflict took on an in- too strong a voice in Yemen. Saudi Arabia, for its part, ternational dimension on 4 November 2009 as clashes worries that strife instigated by the Shia sect so close to broke out between the northern rebels and Saudi secu- Yemen’s border with Saudi Arabia could stir up groups in rity forces along the two countries’ common border and Saudi itself.[73] Saudis launched an anti-Houthi offensive. The rebels ac- cuse Saudi Arabia of supporting the Yemeni government Although it has received little international coverage, the in attacks against them. The Saudi government denied conflict essentially pits Yemen’s Sunni-majority govern- this.[68] Houthi leaders claim that United States involve- ment against Shia fighters, a conflict that has added signif- ment in the war started on 14 December 2009 when the icance for many Arab countries worried about the rising [73] US launched 28 air raids.[22] influence of Iran, a Shia majority country. It is must to considering that Yemen is a country riven with resource General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar commanded the Yemeni driven conflict and regional factionalism above and be- security forces during the conflict and led all the govern- yond any notion of Sunni and Shia divisions.These are ment offensives from 2004 until 2011, when he resigned some problems that is seen in Yemen. So this conflict did his post to defend protesters during the Yemeni Revolu- not start as a sectarian struggle between Saudi Arabia and [69] tion. Iran.[74] A Houthi power grab in Sana'a escalated on 20 January The conflict were sparked in 2004 by the government’s 2015, the rebels attacked the president’s residence and attempt to arrest Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, a Zaidis swept into the presidential palace. President Abed Rabbo religious leader of the Houthis and a former parliamentar- Mansour Hadi was inside the residence as it came under ian on whose head the government had placed a $55,000 “heavy shelling” for a half-hour, but he was unharmed bounty.[73] and protected by guards, according to Information Min- ister Nadia al-Sakkaf. Presidential guards surrendered the residence after being assured that Hadi could safely evacuate. The U.N. Security Council called an emer- 2 Motives and objectives gency meeting about the unfolding events. United Na- tions Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon expressed concern When armed conflict for the first time erupted back in over the “deteriorating situation” in Yemen and urged all 2004 between the Yemenis government and Houthis, the sides to cease hostilities.[70][71] On 22 January, President then Yemenis president accused Houthis and other Is- Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and Prime Minister Khaled lamic opposition parties of trying to overthrow the gov- ernment and the republican system. However, Houthi

1 2 3 TIMELINE

leaders for their part rejected the accusation by saying 3.3 Round 3: November 2005 – early 2006 that they had never rejected the president or the repub- lican system but were only defending themselves against A third round of fighting broke out from November 2005 government attacks on their community.[75] until early 2006. During this round, the pro-government According to a February 2015 Newsweek report, Houthis Hamdan tribe, led by Sheikh Abdullah al-Awjari battled are fighting “for things that all Yemenis crave: govern- with pro-Houthi tribes and Houthis tried to assassinate a Ministry of Justice official in Dhamar. The fighting ment accountability, the end to corruption, regular utili- [81] ties, fair fuel prices, job opportunities for ordinary Yeme- ended before the Presidential elections that year and nis and the end of Western influence.”[76] in March 2006, the Yemeni government freed more than 600 captured Shī‘a fighters.[82] There was no data with In an interview with Yemen Times, Hussein Al-Bukhari, regards to casualties in 2006, but they were said to be sig- a Houthi insider said that Houthi’s preferable political sys- nificantly lower than those of the previous year.[52] tem is a republic with elections where women can also hold political positions, and that they do not seek to form a Shia cleric-led government after the model of Islamic 3.4 Round 4: January–June 2007 Republic of Iran for “we cannot apply this system in Yemen because the followers of the Shafi [Sunni] doc- A new spate of fighting broke out on January 28, 2007, trine are bigger in number than the Zaydis [Shia].”[77] when militants attacked multiple government installa- tions, killing six soldiers and injuring 20 more.[83][84] Further attacks on January 31, left six more soldiers dead and 10 wounded.[85] A further ten soldiers died and 20 3 Timeline were wounded in an attack on an army roadblock near the Saudi Arabian border on February 1.[86] Though there Further information: Timeline of the Yemeni conflict was no official confirmation of militant casualties in the (2011–present) attacks, government sources claim three rebel fighters were killed in a security operation following the January 31 attacks.[87] In February, the government launched a major offensive against the rebels involving 30,000 troops.[41] By Febru- 3.1 Round 1: June–September 2004 ary 19, almost 200 members of the security forces and over 100 rebels had died in the fighting.[88] A further From June to August 2004, government troops battled 160 rebels were killed in the subsequent two weeks.[89] supporters of al-Houthi in the north.[78] Estimates of the A French student was also killed.[90] dead range from 500 to 1,000.[52] On September 10, A ceasefire agreement was reached on June 16, 2007. Yemeni forces killed al-Houthi.[79] Since then, the rebel- The rebel leaders agreed to lay down arms and go into lion has been led by one of his brothers, Abdul-Malik al- exile in Qatar (by whom the agreement had been medi- Houthi.[75] His father, Badr Eddin al-Houthi, took over ated), while the government agreed to release rebel pris- the position as the group’s spiritual leader.[80] oners, help pay for reconstruction and assist with IDPs re- turning home.[91] In total some 1,500 people were killed by the conflict in 2007, including 800 government troops, [52] 3.2 Round 2: March–May 2005 600 rebels and 100 civilians.

Between March and April 2005, some 1,500 people were 3.5 Round 5: March–July 2008 killed in a resurgence of fighting between government [52] forces and supporters of the slain cleric. Armed incidents resumed in April 2008, when seven In May 2005, the rebels rejected an offer of a presidential Yemeni soldiers died in a rebel ambush on April 29.[92] pardon by President after their con- On May 2, 15 worshippers were killed and 55 wounded in ditions for surrender were refused by the government and a bombing at the Bin Salman Mosque in Sa'dah as crowds minor clashes continued. On May 21, the government re- of people left Friday prayers. The government blamed the leased estimates of the impact of the rebellion, announc- rebels for the bombing, but Houthi’s group denied being ing that it was responsible for 552 deaths, 2,708 injures, responsible.[66][93] Shortly after the attack, three soldiers and over USD 270 million in economic damages.[75] and four rebels died in overnight skirmishes.[94] On, 23 June 2005, the rebels’ military commander On May 12, clashes between Yemeni soldiers and rebels Abdullah al-Ruzami surrendered to Yemeni authori- near the border with Saudi Arabia killed 13 soldiers and ties. after tribal mediators worked out a deal with the 26 rebels.[95] During fighting in May 2008, a total of government.[80] 1,000 government forces were killed and 3,000 injured. 3.6 Round 6: August 2009 – February 2010 3

Some 70,000 people were displaced by the fighting.[52] that rebels had entered Saudi territory and attacked pa- President Saleh declared an end to fighting in the north- trols, and that a second soldier later died from wounds ern Sa’dah governorate on July 17, 2008.[96] sustained in the same clash.[105][106] On November 5, Saudi Arabia responded by launching heavy air strikes on rebels in northern Yemen, and moved troops nearer the 3.6 Round 6: August 2009 – February border. Saudi government officials said only that the air 2010 force had bombed Yemeni rebels who had seized a border area inside the kingdom, which they said had now been Main article: recaptured. The officials said at least 40 rebels had been Yemeni troops, backed by tanks and fighter aircraft, killed in the fighting. The Saudi government adviser said no decision had yet been taken to send troops across the border, but made clear Riyadh was no longer prepared to tolerate the Yemeni rebels.[105] The Saudi assault contin- ued the following day, as Saudi residents near the south- ern border of Jizan Province were evacuated.[107] At the same time, a Houthi spokesman reported to the media that they had captured Saudi troops.[108] On 16 Novem- ber, Yemen killed two Houthi commanders, Abbas Aaida and Abu Haider. On 19 November, Yemeni forces took control of al-Malaheez, killing the local commander Ali al-Qatwani.[109] Saudi army in Jizan before war against the Houthis, November Houthi leaders claim that U.S. involvement started on 14 2009 December when the U.S. launched 28 air raids.[22] At launched a major offensive, code-named Operation least 120 people were killed and 44 injured by the al- Scorched Earth,[97] against the rebel stronghold in north- leged US air raids on the regions of Amran, Hajjah and ern Yemen on August 11, 2009, after the government Sa'dah in North Yemen. Houthis claimed air raids on promised to use an “iron fist” against the rebels. On 18 December killed 63 civilians, including 28 children [110] September 17, more than 80 people were killed in an and injured at least 90 people. U.S. President Barack air raid on a camp for displaced people in northern Obama claimed he had authorised the strikes against al- [111] Yemen.[98] Qaeda. On 20 December, Saudi air strike killed some civilians. According to a spokesman for the Houthis, a The conflict took on an international dimension late in the Saudi attack killed 54 people in the town of Al Nad- month. Clashes were reported between the Houthis and heer in the northern province of Sa'dah. The group also [99] Saudi security forces near the border. Also, Yemeni claimed that Saudi forces were advancing on the nearby officials captured a boat in the Red Sea that was trans- town of Zawa, also in Sa'dah, and had fired more than porting anti-tank shells and, according to some reports, 200 shells.[112] five Iranian “instructors” sent to help the Houthis.[100] Various official Iranian sources responded, calling this On December 22, the Houthis stated that they have man- claim a politically motivated fabrication, and stating that aged to repulse Saudi Arabian forces trying to infiltrate the ship was traveling for business activities carrying no into the province of Sa'dah, killing an unspecified num- [113] consignment.[101] In early November the rebels stated ber of Saudi soldiers in a battle in the border region. that Saudi Arabia was permitting Yemeni army units to The fighting between Yemeni and Saudi forces and launch attacks from across the border at a base in Jabal Houthis killed at least 119 Yemeni government forces, al-Dukhan, charges which were denied by the Yemeni 263 Houthis, 277 civilians and 7 foreign civilians.[52] government.[102] In late October, heavy clashes in the Saudi casualties were confirmed at 82 at the time.[114] area of Razih led to the Houthis capturing two mili- With more soldiers killed in subsequent clashes and miss- tary headquarters and killing Yemeni commander Gen- ing soldiers being found dead, however, the casualties eral Amr Ali Mousa Al-Uuzali[36] In early November, rose to 133 killed by January 23, 2010. The number of General Ali Salem al-Ameri and regional security chief missing was put at six.[56] Ahmed Bawazeir were killed in a Houthi ambush as they In early January 2010, the Houthis chose the Iraqi cleric were returning from Saudi Arabia.[37] Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to mediate in their politi- The conflict spilled into neighbouring Saudi Arabia for cal standoff with the Yemeni government and to find a so- the first time since erupting in 2009 on November 4 lution to the conflict. This choice was criticized by Saudi when rebels shot dead a Saudi security officer in a cross- cleric Mohammad al-Arifi, a preacher at Riyadh’s cen- border attack. The rebels took control of a mountain- tral mosque, who dismissed al-Sistani as “an infidel and ous section inside Saudi Arabia, in the border region debauched.” The remarks by the Saudi cleric were con- of Jabal al-Dukhan[99] and occupied two villages inside sidered extremely insulting by Shi’as around the world, Saudi territory.[103][104] Saudi Arabia’s news agency said 4 3 TIMELINE causing major outrage in some Shi'a populated countries that soldiers in Amshia Bsfian region were creating an like Iraq, Iran and Lebanon.[115][116] army stronghold on Mount Guide. The report came as On January 13, 2010, Operation Blow to the Head was the Yemeni government blamed Houthi fighters for re- launched in an attempt by the government to capture the cent ethnic clashes which had killed 11 people, including city of Sa'adah. Security forces claimed they killed 34 two soldiers, and for the kidnapping of two people in a market. The Houthis have denied these allegations and and arrested at least 25 Houthis, as well as killing al- [125] Qaeda in Yemen leader Abdullah al-Mehdar within the have claimed that it was the work of the government. next two weeks of fighting.[117] On July 20, 2010, clashes broke out between Houthis and On January 25, 2010, the Houthis offered a truce[118] members of an army-backed tribe, led by Sheikh Sagheer and withdrew from 46 positions which they held in Saudi Aziz, in the region of Souffian. A Houthi commander de- territory. Houthi leader Abdul Malek al-Houthi said clared that the clashes had broken out because of Yemeni they would stop fighting to prevent further civilian ca- Army attacks on Houthis and local pro-Houthi tribes. sualties and the withdrawal was a gesture for peace,[119] Forty-nine people were reported killed in the clashes, in- but warned that if the Saudis were to continue fighting cluding 20 tribal and 10 Houthi fighters. The Houthis also managed to surround the Yemeni military bases in the Houthis would go over into open warfare. A Saudi [126] general announced that the Houthis had stopped fight- the region. Over the following days the Yemeni army ing and were not on Saudi land anymore and that in re- and pro-government Bin Aziz tribes continued to clash sponse the Saudis also stopped fighting saying, “The bat- with the Houthis. The government claimed that in the fol- tle has ended by God’s will.” But the Saudi king denied lowing two days, 20 fighters were killed on each side. A the Houthis had withdrawn saying they were forced out, Houthi spokesman denied these claims, stating only three Houthi fighters had been killed in the clashes. Both sides and declared military victory for the end of their conflict [127] with the Houthis.[120] There have however been allega- have blamed each other for starting the clashes. The UN expressed great concern about the situation in North tions that the Saudis launched new air raids on January [128] 29, thus breaking the truce.[121] Yemen. On January 1 the Yemeni government offered a con- On July 23, Houthi spokesman Vayf-Allah al-Shami said calm had returned to the region and that a government ditional cease-fire. The cease-fire had five conditions which were the re-establishment of safe passage on roads, committee was trying to mediate a cease-fire between the Houthis and the Bin Aziz tribes in the Souffian region.[129] the surrender of mountain strongholds, a full withdrawal from all local authority property, the return of all military On July 27, Houthis seized a military post at al-Zaala and public equipment seized during hostilities and the re- in Harf Sufyan, capturing 200 soldiers of the army’s lease of all the detained civilians and soldiers. On January . Tribal sources claimed they had in- 30, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi released a video wherein he flicted 200 fatalities on the Houthis in al-Amsheya while blamed the government for the recent round of fighting suffering only 30 dead themselves. Houthi spokesman but said that: “Nevertheless, and for the fourth time, I an- Abdul Salam denied the high number of killed and said nounce our acceptance of the [government’s] five condi- the claims were highly exaggerated. Houthis said they re- tions [for an end to the conflict] after the aggression stops covered the bodies of 17 of their fighters, including that of ... the ball is now in the other party’s court.”[122] After the rebel commander Abu Haidar, near the house of Sheikh truce was accepted on January 30, however, there were Saghir Aziz in Al-Maqam, near Al-Zaala.[130] still some clashes between the Houthis and both Saudi and [123] On July 29, the Houthis released the 200 soldiers they had Yemeni forces. Therefore, on January 31 the Yemeni captured as a goodwill gesture. In total some 70 people government rejected the truce and launched a new round had died since the clashes started.[131] of attacks, killing 24 people.[124] On November 22, one soldier was killed and two wounded in a roadside bombing. The next day 23 Houthi 3.7 2010 conflict with pro-government fighters and supporters were killed and 30 injured by a tribes car bomb targeting a Shi'a religious procession in al-Jawf province.[132][133] On November 26, two Shi'a mourn- In April, Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam de- ers were killed and eight injured by a bomb while on clared that rebels had captured the Manaba district in their way to Sa'adah city to attend Badreddin al-Houthi's Sa'dah, with little government resistance. Government funeral.[133] troops declared they had killed 30 Houthis who had tried In total, between 195 and 281 people were killed during to penetrate into Harf Sufyan District. this round violence, with the majority of the casualties on On July 17, 2010, the Houthis warned on their website the Houthi side.[134] that the government was preparing for another offensive against the Houthis. They said the government had been digging trenches from the Sana'a to Sa'ada. They claimed the army was trying to amass servicemen in villages and 3.9 Post–Saleh (2012–2015) 5

3.8 2011 On November 9, after several days of heavy fighting, the Houthis managed to break through defense lines of the pro-government Kashir and Aahm tribes in Hajjah Gov- Main article: Yemeni Revolution ernorate, seizing control of the Kuhlan Ash Sharaf Dis- trict and advancing towards the port of Midi, thereby A major demonstration by over 16,000 protestors took gaining access to the sea. Through Hajjah, the Houthis place in Sana'a on 27 January.[135] On 2 February, Pres- would be able to launch an assault on the Yemeni capi- ident Saleh announced he would not run for reelection tal Sana'a.[154] By taking Kuhlan Ash Sharaf, the Houthis in 2013 and that he would not pass power to his son. managed to gain control over a highway linking San'a to On 3 February, 20,000 people protested against the gov- the sea.[149] ernment in Sana'a,[136][137] and others in Aden,[138] in a [139] On November 15, clashes between Houthis and Islah “Day of Rage” called for by Tawakel Karman. On the party militia restarted in al-Jawf, after an Islah party same day, soldiers, armed members of the General Peo- member tried to blow himself up during the al-Ghadeer ple’s Congress and many others held a pro-government [140] festival, in Al Maton District but was captured and killed counter-demonstration in Sana'a. by the Houthis. A total of 10 people died in the ensuing On February 27, Abdul Malik al-Houthi announced sup- fighting.[155] port for the pro-democracy protests and the effort to On December 19, Houthis stormed a Sunni Islamist effect regime change, as had happened in Tunisia and school in the Shaharah District of 'Amran governorate, Egypt. Following these statements, large crowds of [141] injuring one teacher and expelling all teachers and stu- Houthis joined in protests across Northern Yemen. dents from the school. Houthis then took up positions Houthi fighters entered Sa'ada on March 19,[142] engag- inside the school.[156] ing in a drawn out battle with the pro-government forces [143] On 23 November, Saleh signed a power-transfer agree- of Sheikh Uthman Mujalli. They seized control of ment brokered by the in the city on March 24,[1] after destroying Sheikh Mujalli’s [143] [2] Riyadh, under which he would transfer his power to house and forcing the local governor to flee. The his Vice-President within 30 days and leave his post as Houthis established military checkpoints at the entrances [143] president by February 2012, in exchange for immunity to the city after police deserted their posts and were [157][158] [3] from prosecution. Although the GCC deal was relocated to army camps elsewhere. accepted by the JMP, it was rejected by many of the On March 26, Houthi rebels declared the creation of their protesters and the Houthis.[159][160] own administration in Saada Governorate, independent A presidential election was held in Yemen on 21 Febru- from Yemeni authorities. A former arms dealer was ap- ary 2012. With a reported 65 percent turnout, Abd Rab- pointed governor by the Houthis, the previous governor [2][3] buh Mansur al-Hadi won 99.8% of the vote, and took having fled to Sanaa. the oath of office in Yemen’s parliament on 25 Febru- On July 8, 23 people were killed in fighting between the ary 2012. Saleh returned home the same day to at- Houthis and the opposition Islah party in al-Jawf gover- tend Hadi’s presidential inauguration.[161] After months norate. The fighting erupted after the governor of al-Jawf of protests, Saleh had resigned from the presidency and fled, opposition tribes took control of the governorate, formally transferred power to his successor, marking the and the Houthis refused to hand over a Yemeni military end of his 33-year rule.[162] [144] base which they had seized several months earlier. Throughout the year, some 200 people were killed in Fighting continued until July 11, with more than 30 peo- [145] clashes between Houthis and Salafi militias in Sa'dah ple killed. The Houthis claimed that some elements province.[163] of the pro-Islah militias had links to al-Qaeda.[146] On July 28, over 120 people were killed as the Houthis launched an offensive to take over government build- 3.9 Post–Saleh (2012–2015) ings in al-Jawf.[147] Fighting in Jawf lasted for four months, in which time Sunni tribes claimed to have killed On February 26, 2012, heavy fighting occurred in Haj- 470 Houthis, while acknowledging 85 casualties of their jah governorate as Houthis fought Sunni tribesmen loyal own.[148] The Houthis eventually took control of al-Jawf [149] to the Al-Islah party. At least seven fighters from the Ho- governorate. jjor tribe were killed and nine others injured, while in the In August a car-bombing killed 14 Houthis in al-Jawf. Ahem area nine bodies were found, belonging to Houthi [150] Although the Houthis initially blamed the US and fighters. Houthis launched an assault backed by artillery Israel for the bombing, al-Qaeda eventually claimed on al-Jarabi area, al-Hazan village, al-Moshaba moun- responsibility,[151] the organization having declared a holy tain, and Ahem police station to take control of the al- war against the Houthis earlier that year.[152] In early Moshaba mountain. Parts of the Kushar District were put November clashes erupted between Houthis and a Salafi under siege[164] since clashes erupted in that province be- group in Sa'dah, leaving one Salafist dead.[153] tween Houthis and the al-Zakari tribe in November.[165] 6 3 TIMELINE

In early February, over 55 people had been killed during 36 Islah men captured by the Houthis. After a cease- sectarian violence in Kushar.[166] During February and fire was agreed on, Houthis withdrew from the town and March some 27 people were killed and 36 injured due to released the prisoners they had taken.[163] A group of mines in Hajjah. A total of 600 were killed in clashes in Houthis remained in Owaidan mosque.[180] Hajjah between November 2011 and April 2012, mainly in Kushar and Mustaba Districts.[167] On March 8, a high-ranking military commander and six of his bodyguards were killed by Houthi gunmen in the northern province of Amran[168] 3.10 2014–15: Toppling the Yemeni Gov- On March 23, a suicide bomber targeted a Houthi march ernment in Sa'dah, no casualties were reported.[169] On March 25, some 14 people were killed and three injured in a car bombing in al-Hazm of al-Jawf province, targeting a Shi'a gathering near a school.[170] Another 8 Houthis were killed in an attack by Salafis on April 21.[171] From June 2 to June 4, Houthis clashed with Salafi militias in Kataf districtm leaving several dead.[172] Houthis claim to have taken over three Salafi positions and confiscated Saudi weapons during the clash.[173] On August 21, clashes broke out between Houthis and tribes in Ash Shahil District of Hajjah after Houthis al- legedly shot two women in the district. As the fighting broke out, Houthis retreated from al-Amroor area and retreated to the mountains between Janeb al-Sham and A Houthi official declares the dissolution of parliament in Sana'a Janeb al-Yemen. Houthis were said to control several on 6 February 2015. mountains in the region including mount Azzan and the governorate center that overlooks al-Mahabishah, Qafl Shamer and Ku'aydinah Districts. A truce was signed be- Main articles: Battle of Sana'a (2014) and 2014–15 tween the two sides on August 30.[174] Clashes reignited Yemeni coup d'état on September 6 and Houthis managed to seize control of five schools, a medical center and a police station. On 18 August 2014, the Houthis began a series of demon- Some 30 people were killed in the battles.[175] After- strations in Sana'a against increased fuel prices. On 21 wards Houthis claimed civilian areas were being shelled September, the Houthis took control of Sana'a, after by al-Islah, while MP Ali al-Ma'amari accused Houthis which Prime Minister Mohammed Basindawa resigned of killing a worker from .[176] and the Houthis signed a deal for a new unity government In September and October, Houthis led may protests with other political parties. The protests were marked in Sana'a as part of the 2012 Anti-US protests caused by clashes between the Houthis and the government and by the release of Innocence of Muslims. Houthi slo- also clashes between the Houthis and al-Qaeda in the Ara- gans were hung all across the old city of Sana'a and bian Peninsula.[181] At least 340 people were killed on the Shi'a majority areas during the protests.[177] This has outskirts of the Yemeni capital in one week of fighting led to Houthis expanding their control in Sana'a Gov- between the Shiite rebels and Sunni militiamen before ernorate and other areas around the capital, particu- the city fell.[182] The new government was sworn in on larly Khwlan and Sanhan Districts and the town Shibam 9 November, although the Houthis and General People’s Kawkaban in al-Mahwit.[178] Al-Juraf district was also Congress announced they would not take part[183] named as a Houthi stronghold, where they had large num- A spokesman for the Houthi group has accused Yemen’s bers of weapons stationed. Sunni sources have alleged President Hadi of arming members of Al-Qaeda in the that Houthis have used the protests to smuggle weapons Marib province, east of the country, in order to create a and fighters from areas surrounding Sana'a into Sana'a new security crisis.[184] city itself, mainly in the old city.[179] The crisis intensified as Houthi militants attacked the During one of the protests, in Raydah, Amran, clashes presidential palace and private residence in January 2015, broke out between Houthis and Islahi gunmen after the quickly seizing control of both. On 22 January, President Islahi gunmen interrupted a Houthi mass rally, denounc- Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and his ministers resigned.[185] ing Innocence of Muslims and the US government, on The Houthis declared themselves in full control of the September 21. Two people were killed during the clash government on 6 February, dissolving parliament and and three Islahi gunmen were captured.[176] Fighting con- putting a Revolutionary Committee led by Mohammed tinued until September 23, leaving 16 fighters dead and Ali al-Houthi in charge of the country.[186] 4.2 United States 7

3.11 2015: Saudi-led intervention (Opera- for the Houthi rebels, and for South (Yemen’s) tion Decisive Storm) secession.” The sources added that those Hezbollah- allied figures “informed al-Bidh that the party’s top Main article: Operation Decisive Storm officials do not want to meet with him and that they do not approve the attribution of Hezbollah’s name with what is happening in Yemen, or to appear as On March 26, 2015, Saudi Arabia and a coalition of supporting to any rebellion.” Ibrahim al-Mussawi, regional states launched airstrikes against Houthi posi- Head of Hezbollah’s Media Unit, told Alarabiya.net tions in Yemen in an operation called Operation Deci- that his party denies the report about an alleged sive Storm.[187] The military coalition included the United secret visit.[191] States who was helping with the planning of airstrikes, as well as logistical and intelligence (spying) support.[188] • High-ranking officials from the - Other coalition states included Egypt, United Arab Emi- ary Guard were said to have secretly met with rates, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan, Jordan, and Sudan Houthi rebels and Hezbollah in Yemen to coordi- who provided direct military support (airplanes).[189] Ini- nate joint military operations against Saudi positions tial strikes left 18 civilians dead and 24 other wounded, along the border. Pan-Arab Asharq al-Awsat daily including women and children.[189] said Arab and Egyptian sources uncovered that a Initial reactions from Houthi spokesman Mohammed Al number of intelligence services in the region have Bukhaiti called the military action a declaration of war on learned of the three-way meeting which also aimed Yemen.[189] Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad at developing a plan to escalate the military situation Zarif demanded immediate halt of the attacks, saying along the Saudi-Yemeni border. It said the high- “Military action from outside of Yemen against its ter- level meeting which took place in November, 2009 ritorial integrity and its people will have no other result was the most prominent evidence of “direct Iranian [189] involvement” in the support of Houthi rebels finan- than more bloodshed and more deaths.” Some ana- [192] lysts saw it in a broader context as a proxy war between cially, militarily and logistically. [189] Iran and Saudi Arabia. • Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi on 13 December 2009 urged Iran to crack down on Ira- nian groups he accused of aiding Houthi rebels 4 Alleged foreign involvement in northern Yemen and held Iran’s government partly to blame. He said: “Religious (Shiite) cir- 4.1 Iran and Hezbollah cles and groups in Iran are providing aid to the Huthis,” However, Iran has repeatedly denied such accusations.[193] There have been a number of alleged Iranian involve- ments in the insurgency to aid the Houthis, including: • On 25 May, Iran first deployed warships to the Gulf of Aden to combat piracy in Somalia.[194] On 20 • The Saudi and Yemeni governments both accuse January 2010, On 18 November, a second group Iran of helping the Houthis. Iran, they say, has se- of Iranian warships came to the Gulf of Aden, at cretly landed arms on the Red Sea coast. In October, the same time as Saudi Arabia imposed a blockade 2009, Yemen’s government said its navy intercepted on Houthi-controlled coasts and launched a crack- an arms-carrying Iranian vessel. Yemen’s state- down on Houthi ships delivering weapons to the controlled press claims Houthi rebels have been Houthis.[194] Iran dispatched its 5th fleet to the Gulf trained in an Iranian-run camp across the Red Sea of Aden.[195] Some have alleged that the Iranian in Eritrea. Yemen’s president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, Navy is operating there to help supply the Houthis says members of Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah with weapons and counter the Saudi naval power in militia are teaching them. The Yemeni authorities the area rather than to fight Somali pirates.[194] also darkly note that the Houthis’ long-time leader, Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, who died in battle in 2004, used to visit Qom, one of Shia Islam’s holiest 4.2 United States places.[190] None of these accusations have yet been borne out by independent observers and the Iranians On December 2009, According to The New York Times, deny any involvement. the United States has provided weapons and logistical support to Yemeni government strikes against suspected • Saudi-owned Al Arabiya claimed that “well- hide-outs of Al Qaeda within its borders. The officials informed sources” are saying that “the president said that the American support was approved by Pres- of the former (Ali Salim al-Bidh) ident Obama and came at the request of the Yemeni conducted a secret visit to the Lebanese capital government.[196] Houthis claimed in a statement that the Beirut last October (2009), and tried to contact U.S. has used modern fighter jets and bombers in its of- figures close to Hezbollah aiming to win its support fensive against the Yemen fighters.[22] 8 7 REFERENCES

Houthi leaders however claim that US involvement 5.1 Use of child soldiers started on 14 December when the US launched 28 air raids.[22] At least 120 people were killed and 44 injured See also: Military use of children by the alleged US air raids on the regions of Amran, Ha- jjah and Sa'ada in North Yemen, a Houthi leader was UNICEF and Islamic Relief were reported as con- quoted as saying: “The US air force perpetrated an ap- demning both the Yemeni military and Houthi rebels palling massacre against citizens in the north of Yemen as for abusing children by forcing them to fight for their it launched air raids on various populated areas, markets, cause.[205][206][207] In November 2009, over 400 children refugee camps and villages along with Saudi warplanes, walked to the UNDP office in Sana'a, to protest against The savage crime committed by the US air force shows the alleged Houthi abuse of children’s rights.[208] the real face of the United States. It cancels out much touted American claims of human rights protection, pro- motion of freedoms of citizens as well as democracy.”[197] The Houthi claimed that new air raids on 18 December 6 See also killed 63 civilians, including 28 children and injured at least 90 people.[110] • On June 17, 2011, following Friday prayers, tens of thou- • List of modern conflicts in the Middle East sands of protestors rallied in Sa'dah against US interfer- • ence in Yemen.[198] Military of Yemen The Houthis blamed US intelligence forces of carrying • South Yemen insurgency out a bombing in August 2011 which killed 14 Houthi fighters.[199] 7 References

4.3 Other [1] “Insurgents take control of Yemeni city”. Financial Times. Retrieved 17 October 2014.

• Jordan: It has been alleged that Jordan de- [2] Yemen Post Staff (27 March 2011). “Houthi Group Ap- points Arms Dealer as Governor of Sa'ada province”. ployed commandos to fight alongside the Saudis dur- Yemen Post. ing their offensive in Northern Mount Al-Dukhan and that Saudis sent the Jordanian commandos to [3] fight in Northern Yemen. They also sent auxiliary [4] The Muslim News Yemen after Saleh: A future fraught units to support Saudi forces.[17] By December 2009 with violence, Friday 27 May 2011. it was alleged that over 2,000 Jordanian soldiers were fighting at the front.[19] [5] “Yemen leader urges Shiite rebels to leave capital”. The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon. Retrieved 17 October 2014. • Morocco: It was alleged that Morocco have sent hundreds of elite fighters, mainly para-troopers [6] “Bombings in Yemeni Mosques Kill More Than 130”. trained for counter-insurgency operations, to aid the The New York Times. 20 March 2015. [19] 2009–2010 Saudi offensive. [7] “Yemen: A country contested”. Al Jazeera. 24 March 2015. • Pakistan: It was alleged in Pakistani news me- [8] “Military Operation in Yemen”. Sputnik News. 27 March dia and newspapers that the Pakistan government 2015. had sent contingent of special forces to join Yemeni counter insurgency operations in Sa'dah.[200] [9] “HOW AL QAEDA’S BIGGEST ENEMY TOOK OVER YEMEN (AND WHY THE U.S. GOVERN- MENT IS UNLIKELY TO SUPPORT THEM)". The In- tercept. 22 January 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2015. 5 Humanitarian effects [10] “Shiite rebels take control of Yemen’s third largest city”. The Daily Star. Retrieved 22 March 2015.

In April 2008, the United Nations High Commissioner [11] UPDATED: Yemen anti-government forces seize airbase for Refugees estimated that the conflict had created near Aden: Army 77,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sa'dah [12] BREAKING: Yemen’s Hadi flees Aden with Saudi diplo- Governorate.[201] By order of then king Abdullah of matic mission: Sources Saudi Arabia, the Saudis were to shelter and build 10,000 new homes for the war-displaced people.[202][203][204] [13] Yemeni President Hadi flees Aden 9

[14] “Hadi loyalists retake Yemen’s Aden airport-local offi- [36] “Houthis kill top Yemeni commander”. Presstv.com. cial”. The Daily Star. Retrieved 26 March 2015. 2009-10-25. Retrieved 2009-11-09.

[15] “Gulf Arabs say they are defending Yemen against aggres- [37] “Ambush kills 3 Yemeni soldiers, 2 top officers”. Press sion”. The Daily Star. 26 March 2015. TV. 3 November 2009.

[16] “Jordan joins Saudi-led strikes in Yemen”. The Daily Star. [38] “Yemen: Houthi leader hails 'revolution'". BBC News. Retrieved 26 March 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2014.

[17] “Jordanian commandos join war on Houthi fighters”. [39] Houthy military leaders killed under the Saudi Air forces Press TV. 21 November 2009. Retrieved 29 December airstrikes over Yemen 2009. [40] ‘Decisive Storm’ besieges Houthis [18] “Saudis 'in a panic mode' as Shi'ite rebels move North from Yemen”. World Tribune. 4 December 2009. Re- [41] Arrabyee, Nasser (2007-04-04). “Yemen’s rebels unde- trieved 31 October 2013. feated”. Al-Ahram Weekly. Retrieved 2007-04-11.

[19] Canales, Pedro (3 December 2009). “Marruecos y Jor- [42] Center for Strategic and International Studies The Middle dania envían tropas de élite para ayudar a los saudíes en East Military Balance, 2005. Yemen”. El Imparcial (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 Decem- [43] Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, Madeleine Wells (28 ber 2009. April 2010). Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: [20] Members of Anti Houthis coalition in Yemen The Huthi Phenomenon. Rand Corporation. Retrieved 17 October 2014. [21] Sudanese army says ground troops to join Saudi-led coali- tion in Yemen [44] “Tracker: Saudi Arabia’s Military Operations Along Yemeni Border - Critical Threats”. Criticalthreats.org. [22] "'US fighter jets attack Yemeni fighters’". Press TV. 14 Retrieved 17 October 2014. December 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009. [45] Hakim Almasmari (10 April 2010). “Thousands Ex- [23] “US 'sends special forces to Yemen' amid crisis”. Press pected to die in 2010 in Fight against Al-Qaeda”. Yemen TV. 14 December 2009. Retrieved 31 October 2013. Post.

[24] “Yemen seeks US help to quash Houthis”. Ahlul Bayt [46] “Peninsula on the brink”. Ahram.org.eg. Retrieved 17 News Agency. 11 November 2009. Retrieved 31 October October 2014. 2013. [47] CNN Medics: Militants raid Yemen town, killing dozens, [25] “MEMRI: Houthi TV Airs Footage of US Military Plane November 27, 2011. in Yemeni Airbase”. MEMRITV - The Middle East Media Research Institute. Retrieved 22 March 2015. [48] “Houthis Kill 24 in North Yemen”, Yemen Post, 27 November 2011. [26] “Turkey announce that it will support the military opera- tions that is operated by Gulf cooperation council’s coun- [49] “Yemeni Authorities Set Conditions for Ending Military tries against Houthies”. Qasion news. 26 March 2015. Operations in Sa'ada- Yemen Post English Newspaper Online”. Yemen Post. Retrieved 2009-11-09. [27] “Pakistan troops will join Saudi coalition against Yemeni rebels: official”. The Daily Star. 30 March 2015. [50] Al-Haj, Ahmed (19 February 2007). “Clashes in Yemen Kill More Than 100”. Fox News. Retrieved 29 December [28] “Yemen militia sends forces south as UN warns of civil 2009. war”. The Daily Star. 23 March 2015. [51] “Yemeni military battles Shi'ite rebels”. The Age (Mel- [29] archicivilians in twitter bourne). 20 March 2007. Retrieved 29 December 2009.

[30] “Houthi victories in Yemen make Saudi Arabia nervous”. [52] “Armed Conflicts Report - Yemen”. Ploughshares.ca. Re- Al Monitor. 15 October 2014. trieved 2009-11-09.

[31] Martin Reardon (30 September 2014). “Saudi Arabia, [53] “Shiite rebels release 180 Yemen prisoners”. ABC News. Iran and the 'Great Game' in Yemen”. Al Jazeera. 2010-03-18. Retrieved 2010-07-28.

[32] “The Rise of the Iranian Empire”. The Tower. Retrieved [54] Thomson Reuters Foundation. “Thomson Reuters Foun- 22 March 2015. dation”. alertnet.org.

[33] “Yemen revolutionaries celebrate deal with government”. [55] Press TV. 2014-09-22. [56] Saudi: Bodies of 20 soldiers found on Yemen border, 23 [34] Hadi Flees As Yemen Army Enters Gulf of Aden, Re- January 2010. stores Houta [57] “Heavy Saudi casualties in war with Houthis”. Press TV. [35] Houthis enter Yemen’s Aden 2009-12-22. Retrieved 2009-12-22. 10 7 REFERENCES

[58] 187 children killed in Yemen war, report says [78] “Clashes 'leave 118 dead' in Yemen”. BBC News. 2004- 07-03. Retrieved 2007-02-03. [59] Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, and Madeleine Wells (2010). page xv “Regime and Periphery in Northern [79] “Yemeni forces kill rebel cleric”. BBC News. 2004-09- Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon”. RAND National De- 10. Retrieved 2007-01-30. fense Research Institute. [80] “al-Shabab al-Mum’en / Shabab al-Moumineen (Believ- [60] Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phe- ing Youth)". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 29 December nomenon - Barak A. Salmoni, Bryce Loidolt, Madeleine 2009. Wells - Google Boeken. Books.google.nl. Retrieved 17 October 2014. [81] Christopher Boucek and Marina Ottaway (2010). Yemen on the Brink. Carnegie Endowment for International [61] “Salafist, Houthi sectarian rift threatens to engulf fragile Peace. Retrieved 17 October 2014. state of Yemen”. The Daily Star Newspaper. Retrieved 17 October 2014. [82] “Yemen tells Shi'ite rebels to disband or face war”. Reuters. 2004-01-29. Retrieved 2007-01-30. [62] Yemen: Relative calm in Sa'ada, Amran and Al-Jawf [83] "'Shia gunmen' kill Yemeni troops”. BBC News. 2004- [63] Hill, Ginny (2007-02-05). “Yemen fears return of insur- 01-28. Retrieved 2007-01-30. gency”. BBC News. Retrieved 2008-05-23. [84] Al-Mahdi, Khaled (2007-02-15). “95 Killed in Yemen [64] McGregor, Andrew (August 12, 2004). “Shi’ite Insur- Clashes”. ArabNews. Retrieved 2007-04-11. gency in Yemen: Iranian Intervention or Mountain Re- volt?" (PDF). Terrorism Monitor (The Jamestown Foun- [85] “Shi'ite rebels kill six Yemen soldiers - Web site”. dation) 2 (16): 4–6. Archived from the original on Reuters. 2007-02-01. Retrieved 2007-02-03. November 21, 2006. Retrieved 2008-05-23. [86] “Yemeni soldiers killed in attack”. Al Jazeera English. [65] “Crises multiply for divided Yemen”. BBC News. Re- 2007-02-01. Retrieved 2007-02-02. trieved 17 October 2014. [87] “10 soldiers killed in attack in Yemen”. Middle East On- [66] “Deadly blast strikes Yemen mosque”. BBC News. 2008- line. 2007-02-02. Retrieved 2007-02-03. 05-02. Retrieved 2008-05-23. [88] “More than 100 killed in 5 days of clashes between army [67] Johnsen, Gregory D. (February 20, 2007). “Yemen Ac- and Shiite rebels clashes in Yemen, officials say”. Interna- cuses Iran of Meddling in its Internal Affairs” (PDF). Ter- tional Herald Tribune. 2007-02-19. Retrieved 2007-04- rorism Focus 4 (2): 3–4. Archived from the original on 11. June 16, 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-07. [89] “160 rebels killed in Yemen”. Israel Herald. 2007-03-07. [68] “Timeline: Yemen”. BBC News. 2009-11-11. Retrieved Retrieved 2007-04-11. 2009-12-22. [90] “Two killed in Yemen attack including a Frenchman”. [69] “The crucible of Yemen”. Al Jazeera. 22 May 2011. Re- Reuters. 26 March 2007. Retrieved 29 December 2009. trieved 17 October 2014. [91] Al-Hajj, Ahmed (2007-06-17). “Yemen’s government, [70] “Rebels capture Yemen presidential palace, shell resi- Shiite rebels negotiate end to 3-year conflict”. The Seattle dence”. USA today. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 Jan- Times. Retrieved 2007-06-17. uary 2015. [92] Reuters (2008-05-02). “Dozens of casualties in Yemen [71] “Yemen rebels overtake presidential palace”. Al Jazeera. mosque blast”. France 24. Retrieved 2008-05-23. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015. [93] “Deaths in Yemeni mosque blast”. Al Jazeera English. [72] “Yemen crisis: President resigns as rebels tighten hold”. 2008-05-02. Retrieved 2008-05-23. BBC. January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015. [94] “7 die as Yemeni troops, rebels clash after mosque attack”. [73] “Profile: Yemen’s Houthi fighters”. Al Jazeera. 2009-07- The Jerusalem Post. Associated Press. 2008-05-03. Re- 12. Retrieved 2009-12-22. trieved 2008-05-23.

[74] Stephens Michael (27 March 2015). “Yemen is a defin- [95] “Heavy clashes break out between Yemeni soldiers and ing moment for King Salman”. Al jazeera. Retrieved 29 Shiite rebels in nor”. International Herald Tribune. Asso- March 2015. ciated Press. 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-05-23.

[75] Arrabyee, Nasser (2005-05-25). “Rebellion continues”. [96] “Yemen: Hundreds Unlawfully Arrested in Rebel Con- Al-Ahram Weekly. Retrieved 2007-04-11. flict”. Human Rights Watch. 2008-10-24. Retrieved 2009-11-09. [76] “Photo Essay: The Rise of the Houthis”. Newsweek. 9 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015. [97] “Yemen denies warplane shot down”. Al Jazeera English. 2009-10-02. Retrieved 2009-11-09. [77] “Al-Bukhari to the Yemen Times: “The Houthis’ takeover can not be called an invasion"". Yemen Times. 21 October [98] "'Many killed' in Yemen air raid”. BBC News. 2009-09- 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2015. 17. Retrieved 2009-11-09. 11

[99] “Yemen rebels 'seize Saudi area'". BBC News. 2009-11- [121] “Despite truce call, Saudis pound northern Yemen”. Press 04. Retrieved 2009-11-09. TV. 29 January 2010.

[100] “Yemenis intercept 'Iranian ship'". BBC News. 2009-10- [122] Al Jazeera Yemen rebels renew ceasefire offer, January 27. Retrieved 2009-11-02. 30, 2010.

[101] “Iran says documents prove Yemen ship had no arms”. [123] Press TV Saudis 'launch 17 air raids’ on Houthis, 30 Jan- Press TV. 2009-10-28. Retrieved 2009-11-02. uary 2010.

[102] “Yemen rebels accuse Saudi”. France 24. Agence France- [124] Press TV Yemen rejects Houthis’ 4th peace offer, 31 Jan- Presse. 2009-11-02. Retrieved 2009-11-02. uary 2009.

[103] “Riyadh continues air raids on northern Yemen”. Press [125] Press TV 'Yemen preparing to attack Houthis’, 18 July TV. 24 December 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009. 2010.

[104] “Houthis Say they Will Withdraw from Saudi if Riyadh [126] Press TV Fresh clashes claim 49 in north Yemen, 21 July Ends Attacks”. Naharnet (AFP). 23 December 2009. Re- 2010. trieved 29 December 2009. [127] Press TV More people killed in N Yemen clashes, 22 July [105] “Saudi air force hits Yemen rebels after border raid”. 2010. Swissinfo.ch. 2009-11-05. Retrieved 2009-11-09. [128] Press TV UN concerned about Yemen situation, 24 July [106] 2010.

[107] “Saudi forces keep up Houthi assault”. Al Jazeera. 2009- [129] Press TV Calm to return to north Yemen, 23 July 2010. 11-06. Retrieved 2009-11-06. [130] Google News Yemen Shiite rebels capture 200 soldiers: [108] Ersan, Inal (2009-11-06). “Yemeni rebels say capture military official, 27 July 2010. Saudi soldiers: report”. Reuters. Retrieved 2009-11-06. [131] Press TV Houthis release 200 Yemeni soldiers, 29 July [109] “Saudi soldier, Houthi leaders killed in north Yemen”. 2010. Press TV. 19 November 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009. [132] “Car bomb kills 23 in northern Yemen”. Press TV. 24 November 2010. [110] “US air raids kill 63 civilians in Yemen”. Press TV. 18 December 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009. [133] “Bomb kills Shia mourners in N Yemen”. Press TV. 26 November 2010. [111] Ross, Brian; Richard Esposito; Matthew Cole; Luis Mar- tinez; Kirit Radia. “Obama Ordered U.S. Military Strike [134] “Yemen (2004 – first combat deaths)". Ploughshares.ca. on Yemen Terrorists”. ABC News. Retrieved 29 Decem- Retrieved 17 October 2014. ber 2009. [135] “Yemenis in anti-president protest”. Irish Times. January [112] Liam Stack (21 December 2009). “Saudi air strike kills 27, 2011. Yemen rebels as US drawn into fight”. The Christian Sci- ence Monitor. Retrieved 17 October 2014. [136] Daragahi, Borzou (2011-02-03). “Yemen, Middle East: Tens of thousands stage rival rallies in Yemen”. la- [113] Houthis repel Saudi incursion into northern Yemen times.com. Retrieved 2011-02-04. “Houthis repel Saudi incursion into northern Yemen”. Press TV. 23 December 2009. [137] Lina Sinjab (2011-01-29). “Yemen protests: 20,000 call for President Saleh to go”. BBC News. Retrieved 2011- [114] “Saudi Arabia says soldiers killed in Yemen”. Press TV. 02-04. 12 January 2010. [138] “Opposing protesters rally in Yemen”. Al Jazeera English. [115] “Salafis irate over ban on preacher”. The National. Re- Retrieved 2011-02-04. trieved 17 October 2014. [139] “New protests erupt in Yemen”. Al Jazeera. 2011-01- [116] Sunni scholars against insulting Sistani 29. Archived from the original on 2011-01-30. Retrieved 2011-01-30. [117] “Leader of Al Qaeda in Yemen 'killed in gun battle'". Daily Mail (London). 2010-01-13. [140] “Saleh partisans take over Yemen protest site”. Oneindia News. Retrieved 2011-02-04. [118] “Houthis initiate truce with Saudi Arabia”. Press TV. 25 January 2010. [141] PressTV - Houthis join protests in north Yemen

[119] “Saudis claim victory over Houthis”. Press TV. 27 Jan- [142] “Sa'ada: A Cry for Help- Yemen Post English Newspaper uary 2010. Online”. Retrieved 22 March 2015.

[120] “Saudi-Houthi border fighting ends”. Al Jazeera English. [143] “Houthis Control Sa’ada, Help Appoint Governor”. Na- Retrieved 17 October 2014. tionalyemen.com. 2011-03-29. Retrieved 2015-01-24. 12 7 REFERENCES

[144] “Thomson Reuters Foundation”. Trust.org. Retrieved 17 [163] Situations calm down in north of Yemen after 16 fighters October 2014. killed

[145] “Tens Killed as Battles between Tribes, Houthis Resume [164] “Sectarian clashes continue in north Yemen, dozens killed in Yemen - Yemen Post English Newspaper Online”. Re- - Yemen Post English Newspaper Online”. Retrieved 22 trieved 22 March 2015. March 2015.

[146] “Lack of authority in northern Yemen seen as 'golden op- [165] “Two Houthis killed in clashes with Hajjah tribesmen”. portunity' for Iran”. World Tribune. 2011-07-20. Re- Yemen Fox. 2011-11-21. Retrieved 2015-01-24. trieved 2015-01-24. [166] “Sectarian clashes continue in north Yemen, at least 55 [147] “Yemeni Revolution Slowly entering Phase of War- killed”. www.uruknet.info. Retrieved 2015-01-24. Yemen Post English Newspaper Online”. Retrieved 22 March 2015. [167] United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (2012- 04-18). “Yemen: Rising landmine death toll in Hajjah [148] “Houthis vs. Islah in al Jawf”. Armiesofliberation.com. Governorate”. UNHCR. Retrieved 2015-01-24. Retrieved 17 October 2014. [168] “Yemen: military commander, six bodyguards killed by [149] “Houthis Close to Control Hajjah Governorate, Amid Ex- Houthis- Yemen Post English Newspaper Online”. Re- pectations of Expansion of Control over Large Parts of trieved 22 March 2015. Northern Yemen”. Islam Times. 2011-11-09. Retrieved 2015-01-24. [169] “Suicide bomber kills 12 in northern Yemen”. Chicago Tribune. 2012-05-25. [150] “Suspected al-Qaida car bomb kills 14 Shi'ite Houthi rebels in Yemen: official”. News.xinhuanet.com. Re- [170] “Suicide bombing kills 14 Houthis in Al-Jawf.”. Re- trieved 17 October 2014. trieved 22 March 2015. [171] PressTV - Salafi attack on Houthis kills eight in Yemen [151] Al-Qaeda claims attacks on Houthis in northern Yemen [172] “Clashes renewed between Houthis and Salfis - Yemen [152] “Al-Qaeda Announces Holy War against Houthis- Yemen Post English Newspaper Online”. Retrieved 22 March Post English Newspaper Online”. Retrieved 22 March 2015. 2015. [173] Houthis take control of three positions in north Yemen, [153] “Clashes in Sa’ada Between Houthis and Salafis- Yemen claim confiscating Saudi weapons Post English Newspaper Online”. Retrieved 22 March 2015. [174] “Truce shook on between Houthis, Al-Shahel tribesmen in Hajja”. Yemen Times. Retrieved 22 March 2015. [154] “Al-Houthi Expansion Plan in Yemen Revealed- Yemen Post English Newspaper Online”. Retrieved 22 March [175] “Houthis Fight Tribes, Take over Schools, Public Offices 2015. in Yemen, Site - Yemen Post English Newspaper Online”. Retrieved 22 March 2015. [155] “10 Killed in Clashes in N Yemen”. English.cri.cn. 15 November 2011. Retrieved 2015-01-24. [176] Amran: Houthis, Islah exchange accusations on death of worker .”Houthi militants storm school in Amran"الصحوة نت - [156] Alsahwa-yemen.net. 2011-12-19. Retrieved 2015-01-24. [177] Hammond, Andrew (2012-10-03). “FEATURE-Houthi rebels seen gaining new influence in Yemen”. Reuters. [157] “Yemen’s Saleh signs deal to quit power”. The Daily Star Newspaper. Retrieved 17 October 2014. [178] Yemen Fox. “Yemen Fox- Houthis seek to take control over Sana'a”. Retrieved 22 March 2015. [158] “Yemen leader signs power-transfer deal”. Al Jazeera En- glish. Retrieved 17 October 2014. [179] Yemen Fox. “Yemen Fox- Mohammed Jumaih - Houthis in Sana'a”. Retrieved 22 March 2015. [159] “Process of withdrawing troops and armed tribesmen started for enhancing peace and normalizing life in [180] Yemen Fox. “Yemen Fox- Mediation ends war, drives Yemen”. Yobserver.com. Retrieved 2012-11-07. Houthis out of Raida”. Retrieved 22 March 2015.

[160] “Houthis’ Leader: US, Allies Plot to Spark Sectarian Rift [181] Frank Gardner (24 October 2014). “Frank Gardner: in Yemen”. Fars News Agency. 2011-12-20. Retrieved Yemen at risk of civil war, says ambassador”. BBC. Re- 2012-11-07. trieved 29 October 2014.

[161] Kasinof, Laura (27 February 2012). “Yemen Swears In [182] “At least 340 killed in Yemen’s week-long fighting”. The New President to the Sound of Applause, and Violence”. Daily Star Newspaper. The New York Times. Retrieved 15 August 2012. [183] “Yemen swears in new government amid boycott”. Al [162] “Yemen’s Saleh formally steps down after 33 years”. AFP. Jazeera. 9 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2012-02-27. Retrieved 2012-11-07. 2014. 13

[184] “Houthis accuse Yemen’s president of arming Al-Qaeda”. [204] “Saudi king orders construction of 10,000 houses for dis- Middle East Monitor - The Latest from the Middle East. placed people in south”. Kuwait News Agency. 2 Decem- Retrieved 22 March 2015. ber 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009.

[185] “Yemen President Hadi Resigns After Shiite Rebels Seize [205] “UN calls for the prosecution of child soldier recruiters”. Palace”. Bloomberg. 22 January 2015. Retrieved 22 Jan- The National. Retrieved 17 October 2014. uary 2015. [206] “Issue of child soldiers raised in Yemen”. UPI. Retrieved [186] “Yemen’s Shia rebels finalize coup, vow to dissolve parlia- 17 October 2014. ment”. The Globe and Mail. 6 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015. [207] “Yemen child soldier tells of his hatred for al-Houthi rebels”. The Times. Retrieved 17 October 2014. [187] “Saudis announce onset of military intervention in [208] Yemen children renews protest al-Houthi-related child Yemen”. PressTV. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 26 March abuse. 2015.

[188] Angela Greiling Keane (March 26, 2015). “U.S. Backs Saudi-Led Yemeni Bombing With Logistics, Spying”. 8 External links Bloomberg News. Retrieved March 27, 2015.

[189] “Saudi and Arab allies bomb Houthi positions in Yemen”. • Demystifying Yemen’s Conflict (Midwest Diplo- Al Jazeera. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2015. macy)

[190] “Yemen’s war: Pity those caught in the middle”. The • Timeline: Yemen (BBC) Economist. Retrieved 17 October 2014. • YEMEN: The conflict in Saada Governorate – anal- [191] “Hizbullah Denies Report about Former South Yemen ysis, IRIN, 24 July 2008 President Visiting Beirut to Demand Support for Huthis”. Naharnet. Retrieved 17 October 2014. • “Yemen A Microcosmos of the Middle East”, “The Omer Gendler Watch” (August 25, 2009) - blog [192] “Secret Meeting in Yemen between Iran, Huthi, Hizbullah Officials”. Naharnet. Retrieved 17 October 2014. • Armed Conflict in Northern Yemen (HRW) [193] Yemeni FM: Iran Must Curb Groups Aiding Huthi • Profile: Yemen’s Houthi fighters Rebels“Yemeni FM: Iran Must Curb Groups Aiding Huthi Rebels”. naharnet. 2009-12-13. Archived from the original on 2010-01-23.

[194] “Iran Sends 6 Warships to International Waters in 'Saber Rattling' Move”. Fox News. 2009-05-25.

[195] http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=116618& sectionid=351020101

[196] Shanker, Thom; Landler, Mark (18 December 2009). “U.S. Aids Yemeni Raids on Al Qaeda, Officials Say”. New York Times.

[197] “US fighters pound Sa'ada, kill 120”. Press TV. 16 De- cember 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009.

[198] Tehran Times Yemenis stage massive anti-U.S. rallies, June 18, 2011.

[199] “Suspected al-Qaida car bomb kills 14 Shi'ite Houthi rebels in Yemen: official”. Retrieved 22 March 2015.

[200] Press TV Pakistan joins war against Houthis in Yemen: Report, 27 January 2009.

[201] “YEMEN: Rebel leader calls for international aid”. IRIN. 2008-05-06. Retrieved 2008-05-23.

[202] “Saudi king visits area of Yemen border conflict”. Al Ara- biya. 2 December 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009.

[203] “10,000 houses for Jazan displaced”. Arab News. 3 De- cember 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009. 14 9 TEXT AND IMAGE SOURCES, CONTRIBUTORS, AND LICENSES

9 Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

9.1 Text

• Houthi insurgency in Yemen Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houthi%20insurgency%20in%20Yemen?oldid=654285499 Contrib- utors: William Avery, Fred Bauder, Etherialemperor, WhisperToMe, Tpbradbury, Dimadick, PBP, Beland, Rich Farmbrough, Richard Cane, Viriditas, Geo Swan, Nightstallion, Tabletop, Mandarax, Tim!, Koavf, Feydey, Nogburt, Mark J, Malhonen, Russavia, Bgwhite, Chaser, Member, Joshdboz, Awiseman, Black Falcon, Maphisto86, Malekhanif, De Administrando Imperio, SmackBot, Midway, Kudzu1, Hmains, Chris the speller, Cattus, Jprg1966, Hibernian, Arsonal, George Ho, Tdl1060, Derek R Bullamore, Publicus, Sijo Ripa, Fsotrain09, Uq, Yaris678, Cydebot, Travelbird, Daniel J. Leivick, Sa.vakilian, Ebyabe, Thijs!bot, Omgfreshbeatsnap, Nick Number, Darklilac, Shan- non.2710, MER-C, Top Gun, Magioladitis, Email4mobile, Ksanyi, R'n'B, CommonsDelinker, Fconaway, BR64, Dinkytown, KazakhPol, Neutron Jack, Kray0n, Olegwiki, Signalhead, Hugo999, Saad64, Messir, XavierGreen, Umar99, AnomanderDrake, DennyColt, Cerebel- lum, Oren neu dag, Hoboron, Kermanshahi, So far not banned, Calliopejen1, Mimihitam, Jmj713, Farolif, Mild Bill Hiccup, Ktr101, Mka- tiverata, Searcher 1990, Dunseath, DumZiBoT, Direct action, Terry J. Carter, Kormin, Bilsonius, Wikiarabia, Addbot, Jojhutton, Down- load, Lihaas, Manowar3745, Zorrobot, Omega933, Ettrig, Wikifan12345, Ben Ben, Drpickem, Luckas-bot, Yobot, Reenem, KamikazeBot, AnomieBOT, Knowledgekid87, Brightgalrs, Futur3g4ry, LilHelpa, Xqbot, Jersay, The Banner, Ameen Mohammad, GrouchoBot, No More Mr Nice Guy, Coltsfan, Ashrf1979, MerlLinkBot, Green Cardamom, FrescoBot, LucienBOT, Saudijp, D'ohBot, HCPUNXKID, Kassjab, -Underlying lk, IRISZOOM, Mikrobølgeovn, MegaSloth, Rjwilmsi ,علی ویکی ,Gire 3pich2005, Full-date unlinking bot, Zoeperkoe Bot, TRUZaydi1, VernoWhitney, Slon02, Abu Beirutti, EmausBot, Artefactual, News surveys, Anakida, United-Yemen, Gfoley4, Go- ingBatty, Sentinel R, Disambigutron, Werieth, ZéroBot, Alcea setosa, H3llBot, Greyshark09, Mdmday, Someone65, Labnoor, Kendite, EkoGraf, Asmiya, Mr. Ibrahem, Parsa1993, Omar-toons, AndyTheGrump, HandsomeFella, Nakata Osaka, Catlemur, American Idiot1, Dms77, Tomseattle, North Atlanticist Usonian, Helpful Pixie Bot, BG19bot, Sematz, PhnomPencil, MrPenguin20, FutureTrillionaire, K2qh243, Mideastwhoswho, Takahara Osaka, Glacialfox, MRC37, Reader1987, Alhanuty, Pravdavoin, 23 editor, Stumink, Lightand- Dark2000, Charles Essie, Jackninja5, Mabuhay92, Popcorn1101, Alhadi2007, Alexismocam, Fanxiuz, Germanjohn55, B14709, Damián ,Pctn, WikiCorrectah, Strivingsoul ,عثمان خان شاہ ,A. Fernández Beanato, Agrso, Hanibal911, Jem87, Monkbot, Ceosad, Zakky Hirza SaudAlkhaldi, ElCommandanteVzl, Bearcve, Bohemian Baltimore, 0aali0, I love Islamic, StanMan87, Nykterinos, Aapatel96y, 0ali1, Shah9019, SomeGirl777, Jerodlycett, Mr.User200, Savior59, HC90 and Anonymous: 117

9.2 Images

• File:Bluetank.png Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Bluetank.png License: Public domain Contributors: Own work Original artist: LA2 • File:Emblem_of_the_Yemeni_Air_Force.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Emblem_of_the_ Yemeni_Air_Force.svg License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: Own work Original artist: MrPenguin20 • File:Flag_of_Bahrain.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Flag_of_Bahrain.svg License: Public domain Contributors: http://www.moci.gov.bh/en/KingdomofBahrain/BahrainFlag/ Original artist: Source: Drawn by User:SKopp, rewritten by User:Zscout370 • File:Flag_of_Egypt.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Flag_of_Egypt.svg License: CC0 Contributors: From the Open Clip Art website. Original artist: Open Clip Art • File:Flag_of_Iran.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Flag_of_Iran.svg License: Public domain Contrib- utors: URL http://www.isiri.org/portal/files/std/1.htm and an English translation / interpretation at URL http://flagspot.net/flags/ir'.html Original artist: Various • File:Flag_of_Jordan.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Flag_of_Jordan.svg License: Public domain Contributors: ? Original artist: ? • File:Flag_of_Kuwait.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Flag_of_Kuwait.svg License: Public domain Contributors: Own work Original artist: SKopp • File:Flag_of_Morocco.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Flag_of_Morocco.svg License: Public domain Contributors: adala.justice.gov.ma (Ar) Original artist: Denelson83, Zscout370 • File:Flag_of_Pakistan.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Flag_of_Pakistan.svg License: Public domain Contributors: The drawing and the colors were based from flagspot.net. Original artist: User:Zscout370 • File:Flag_of_Qatar.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Flag_of_Qatar.svg License: Public domain Con- tributors: Drawn by User:SKopp Original artist: (of code) cs:User:-xfi- • File:Flag_of_Saudi_Arabia.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Flag_of_Saudi_Arabia.svg License: CC0 Contributors: the actual flag Original artist: Unknown • File:Flag_of_Sudan.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/Flag_of_Sudan.svg License: Public domain Con- tributors: www.vexilla-mundi.com Original artist: Vzb83 • File:Flag_of_Turkey.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Flag_of_Turkey.svg License: Public domain Contributors: Turkish Flag Law (Türk Bayrağı Kanunu), Law nr. 2893 of 22 September 1983. Text (in Turkish) at the website of the Turkish Historical Society (Türk Tarih Kurumu) Original artist: David Benbennick (original author) • File:Flag_of_Yemen.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Flag_of_Yemen.svg License: CC0 Contributors: Open Clip Art website Original artist: ? • File:Flag_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Flag_of_the_United_ Arab_Emirates.svg License: Public domain Contributors: ? Original artist: ? • File:Flag_of_the_United_States.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a4/Flag_of_the_United_States.svg License: PD Contributors: ? Original artist: ? 9.3 Content license 15

• File:Houthi_Declaration_6-2-2015.png Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dc/Houthi_Declaration_6-2-2015.png Li- cense: Fair use Contributors: YouTube clip of France 24 rebroadcast of al-Maseera TV (Yemen) Original artist: ? • File:Houthis_Logo.png Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Houthis_Logo.png License: Public domain Con- tributors: Own work Original artist: Takahara Osaka • File:InfoboxHez.PNG Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/InfoboxHez.PNG License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Con- tributors: Own work Original artist: Khaerr • File:Logo_of_the_Yemeni_Congregation_for_Reform_(al-Islah).svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ b1/Logo_of_the_Yemeni_Congregation_for_Reform_%28al-Islah%29.svg License: Public domain Contributors: Own work Original artist: MrPenguin20 • File:MiddleEast_blacky.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/MiddleEast_blacky.svg License: Public do- main Contributors: Own work Original artist: Madhero88 • File:Saudi_Army_There_are_Reday_War.jpg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Saudi_Army_There_ المراسل عبدالعزيز :are_Reday_War.jpg License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: Saudis Army in Jizan Who’s Reday War Original artist القحطاني من صحيفة عكاظ • File:Yemen_war_detailed_map.png Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Yemen_war_detailed_map.png Li- cense: CC BY-SA 4.0 Contributors: Own work using: Yemen location map.svg by NordNordWest Original artist: 0ali1 • File:Yemeni_Armed_Forces_Emblem.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Yemeni_Armed_Forces_ Emblem.svg License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: Own work Original artist: MrPenguin20 • File:Yemeni_Republican_Guard_Flag.svg Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Yemeni_Republican_ Guard_Flag.svg License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: Own work Original artist: MrPenguin20

9.3 Content license

• Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0