Who funds the Houthis? Who funded Houthi rebels?

The Houthi rebels are one of the two main factions controlling territory amidst Yemen’s ongoing civil war. Currently, they hold sway over the Western coast of the country, including the capital city, Sana’a. Their origins trace back to a cultural revivalist movement in the 1990s, representing the Zaydi sect of Islam, which was practiced by approximately 35% of the Yemeni population.

Frustrated by the growing influence of Saudi-Arabian Salafi Islam and perceived corruption in the Yemeni government, the Houthis launched insurgencies against the government between 2004 and 2010. The Arab Spring protests in 2011 further fueled their discontent, leading to a civil war that persists to this day. While they have become more closely aligned with Iran, experts caution against labeling them as a straightforward proxy.

Iran’s Role in Financing the Houthis: For several years, Yemen’s Shiite Houthi rebels—having gained control of the capital Sana’a in late 2014 and capturing many provinces—have received support from Iran. This backing includes weapons and funding, a situation widely criticized by the international community.

While the Houthis maintain their own locally defined interests, their relationship with Iran remains significant. However, it’s essential to recognize that they are not a direct proxy of Iranian interests; their actions reflect their unique context1.

Other Sources of Support: Beyond Iran, the Houthis have also received assistance from other groups. For instance:

Hezbollah: The Lebanese Islamist group Hezbollah has provided military advice and support to the Houthis.

Drones: Iran has reportedly helped the Houthis establish factories for manufacturing drones within Yemen.

In summary, the Houthi rebels’ funding sources are multifaceted, with Iran playing a prominent role. However, their actions and alliances are shaped by their distinct local context and interests.