Who is the leader of Houthi? Who is the leader of the Houthis movement?

The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), are a predominantly Zaydi Shia revivalist political and insurgent movement. Their origins trace back to the northern Yemeni governorate of Saada, where they formed under the leadership of members of the Houthi family. Here are some key points about them:

1. Zaydi Shiites: The Houthis belong to the Zaydi branch of Shia Islam. Zaydis are a minority within the broader Shia community, distinct in doctrine and beliefs from the Twelver Shiites dominant in Iran, Iraq, and elsewhere. Unlike Twelvers, Zaydis do not believe in ayatollahs or practice taqqiyah (dissimulation). Zayd bin Ali, their revered figure, led an uprising against the Umayyad Empire in 740 CE, emphasizing resistance against corruption.

2. Fighting Corruption: The Houthis have made fighting corruption a centerpiece of their political program. They view Zayd bin Ali as a symbol of integrity who stood against a corrupt regime. Their focus on anti-corruption aligns with Zaydi values.

3. Historical Context: Followers of Zayd established themselves in north Yemen’s rugged mountains in the ninth century. Over the next thousand years, they fought for control of Yemen with varying degrees of success. A succession of Zaydi Imams ruled their community, and Zaydis were the majority in the northern mountainous regions.

4. Iranian Connection: The Houthis consider themselves part of the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” against Israel, the US, and Western powers. This alignment places them alongside groups like Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement.

Leadership

The Houthi movement was founded in the 1990s by Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, a member of Yemen’s Zaidi Shia minority. After Hussein’s death in 2004, his brother Abdul Malik al-Houthi took over as leader . Abdul Malik remains an enigmatic figure; many say they have never laid eyes on him in person.

In summary, while complex and often misunderstood, the Houthis play a significant role in Yemeni politics and regional dynamics. Understanding their historical context and ideological roots is crucial for navigating this intricate landscape.