Clashes continued until 2010 despite the fact that two cease-fires were signed by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi (son and successor of Hussein Badreddin, killed in 2004) and the government. New course of events occurred in early 2011: the propagation of Tunisian street riots hit Yemeni coasts. After months clashes between protesters and security forces, in November 2011 Saleh agreed to hand over his power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, who became president after uncontested elections in February 2012.

Houthi rebellion

The group (or sect) was founded in the early ‘90es by al-Houthi family and it bears its founders’ name. The sect has been aiming to a different distribution of power within the Country, it constantly opposed to former president Saleh and it has been one of the most involved actors in all clashes that occurred since 2004.  The current rebellion began in September 2014 when gunmen reached Yemeni Capital, Sana’a, and took control over it. In the last few days, rebels occupied institutional and media offices, surrounded Hadi’s residence and then broke in. At present, the President is said to be held prisoner and to have signed an agreement that would lead to a new government as well as a change in Yemeni constitution that would grant the Houthi greater political representation. 

Geopolitical and strategic repercussions

Houthi rebellion affects geopolitical and strategic balance in the region. First of all, Yemen is a crucial country for the United States and for its War on Terrorism. Although Houtani group has been fighting Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) itself, it is yet unclear how it would deal with Washington’s operations in the area given its anti-Americanism. Moreover, the White House fears a deterioration of the situation since, should that happen, Qaedist forces would benefit greatly from the chaos that would be inevitably generated. Finally, national concerns rise in Saudi Arabia as they feel to be surrounded by Iran and its “proxies”, by the Islamic States in Iraq and Syria and by al-Qaeda’s ramifications such as the AQAP, al-Nusra Front and al-Shabaab. 

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