Definition
The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) is a Yemeni armed and political organisation that emerged from the Zaidi Shia revivalist movement in the 1990s. Since 2014 it has controlled much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa. The movement maintains alignment with Iran while pursuing its own domestic and regional objectives.
Why this matters when reading conflict news
Houthi maritime operations in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb directly shape global shipping costs and route choices. Their attribution as an "Iranian proxy" is contested — they are Iran-aligned but operationally independent on many decisions.