The Saudi Arabia Houthi Conflict: A Recipe for Global Instability The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels in Yemen has been simmering for years, but recent allegations that the Houthis targeted Mecca, a holy city in Islam, have escalated tensions to a boiling point.
As one of the most sacred sites in the Islamic world, Mecca is a red line that few dare cross. The Houthi rebellion began in 2004 as an uprising against the Yemeni government, which was seen as corrupt and oppressive.
Led by Abdul Malik al Houthi, the group drew support from other disaffected communities in northern Yemen who felt marginalized and ignored by the regime.