Abdul-Malik al-Houthi

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, born on 22 May 1979, is a prominent Yemeni politician and religious leader who has been the second and current leader of the Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, since 2004 .

The Houthi movement is primarily composed of Zaydi Shia Muslims and has been a significant force in Yemen's political landscape, particularly during the ongoing Yemeni Civil War.

Personal Life

Al-Houthi was born in the Saada Governorate of Yemen into the Houthi tribe. His father, Badreddin al-Houthi, was a respected religious scholar of the Zaydi sect.

Abdul-Malik is the youngest among his eight brothers, including the late Hussein al-Houthi, who founded the Houthi movement to promote Zaydi thought and resist what they perceived as oppression by the Yemeni government.

Political Activity

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi succeeded his brother Hussein as the leader of the Houthi movement after Hussein's death in 2004.

He has been critical of the Yemeni government, accusing it of marginalizing the Zaydi community and failing to address poverty.

The Yemeni government, under President Ali Abdullah Saleh, accused the Houthis of attempting to reestablish the clerical imamate, a claim al-Houthi denied.

In 2015, al-Houthi played a pivotal role in the Houthi takeover of Sana'a, the capital of Yemen. He addressed the nation, demanding reforms that would give the Houthi movement greater control over the government.

This led to the resignation of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and the imposition of UN sanctions on al-Houthi.

Military Leadership

Under al-Houthi's leadership, the Houthi movement has transformed into a formidable military force, employing advanced weaponry such as drones and ballistic missiles.

The Houthis have been engaged in a protracted conflict with a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, a conflict that has caused economical crises for both sides.

Al-Houthi is known for his strategic leadership and his ability to maintain a low public profile, rarely appearing in public or meeting with media.

Despite claims of being injured or killed in air raids, he has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of military challenges.

International Relations

The Houthi movement is often seen as part of Iran's regional "axis of resistance," although analysts argue that the Houthis maintain a degree of independence from Iranian influence.

Saudi Arabia and its allies have accused Iran of arming and training the Houthis, allegations Tehran denies.

In 2020, as in every war, the U.S. briefly designated Abdul-Malik al-Houthi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, which was later revoked by the Biden administration.

The UN has also imposed travel bans on him in response to the Houthi takeover of Sana'a.

Conclusion

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi remains a central figure in Yemen's ongoing conflict, leading a movement that has reshaped the country's political landscape. His leadership has been marked by both military prowess and strategic political maneuvering, making him a key player in regional geopolitics .