View source for Houthi takeover in Yemen

{{Short description|2014–2015 revolution after the capture of the capital, Sanaa}}
{{expand Arabic|date=March 2024|topic=mil}}
{{Infobox military conflict
|partof=the [[Yemeni civil war (2014–present)]]
|image=
|caption=
|date=21 September 2014 – 6 February 2015<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=9|day1=21|year1=2014|month2=2|day2=6|year2=2015}})
|place=[[Sanaa]], [[Yemen]]
|result= Houthi and Saleh loyalists victory leading to a [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|Saudi led intervention]]. 
* [[Houthis]] and Saleh's loyalists take over the Yemeni government
* Fall of [[Sanaa]] to Houthis and Saleh forces
* Prime Minister [[Mohammed Basindawa]] resigns
* General [[Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar]] flees to [[Saudi Arabia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/26/world/middleeast/yemeni-parliament-cancels-meeting-on-presidents-resignation.html|author=Mona al-Naggar|title=Shifting Alliances Play Out Behind Closed Doors in Yemen|date=25 January 2015|website=The New York Times|access-date=11 February 2015|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172524/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/26/world/middleeast/yemeni-parliament-cancels-meeting-on-presidents-resignation.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Hamid al-Ahmar]] flees to [[Turkey]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/10160/19/Al-Houthis-and-Al-Qaeda.aspx|title=Al-Houthis and Al-Qaeda|date=15 January 2015|website=al-Ahram|access-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915041546/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/10160/19/Al-Houthis-and-Al-Qaeda.aspx|archive-date=15 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Prime Minister [[Khaled Bahah]] resigns<ref name="letters"/>
* President [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]] resigns<ref>{{cite news|title=Yemeni president quits, throwing nation deeper into chaos|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-houthis-idUSKBN0KV0HT20150122|access-date=22 January 2015|publisher=Reuters|date=22 January 2015|archive-date=1 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201095309/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-houthis-idUSKBN0KV0HT20150122|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Houthis initially announced [[House of Representatives (Yemen)|Parliament]]'s dissolution<ref name="takeovergovt"/><ref name="agreeon"/>
|combatant1={{flagicon image|Houthis Logo.png}} [[Houthis]]
*{{flagicon image|Yemeni Armed Forces Emblem.svg}} [[Ali Abdullah Saleh|Saleh]] [[Republic of Yemen Armed Forces|Security forces]]
*{{flagicon image|Yemeni Republican Guard Flag.svg}} [[Republican Guard (Yemen)|Republican Guard]]
|combatant2={{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Cabinet of Yemen]]
*{{flagicon image|Yemeni Armed Forces Emblem.svg}} [[Military of Yemen|Security Forces]]
*{{flagicon image|Logo of the Yemeni Congregation for Reform (al-Islah).svg}} [[Al-Islah (Yemen)|Al-Islah]] militias
|commander1={{flagicon image|Houthis Logo.png}} [[Abdul-Malik al-Houthi]]<br />{{flagicon image|Houthis Logo.png}} [[Mohammed Ali al-Houthi]]<br />{{flagicon image|Houthis Logo.png}} [[Saleh Ali al-Sammad]]
{{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]]
|commander2={{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]]<br />{{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Mohammed Basindawa]]<br />{{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak]]<br />{{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Khaled Bahah]]<br />{{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar]]
|strength1=
|strength2=
|casualties1=
|casualties2=
|casualties3=
}}
{{Campaignbox Yemeni Crisis}}
{{Campaignbox Insurgencies in Yemen}}
{{Yemeni Crisis (2011–present)}}
The '''Houthi takeover in Yemen''', also known by the Houthis as the '''September 21 Revolution''',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yemenobserver.com/front-page/1208-houthis-start-three-day-conference-in-capital.html|author=Saif Saleh Al-Oliby|title=Houthis Start Three Day Conference In Capital|date=1 February 2015|website=Yemen Observer|access-date=15 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150216083216/http://yemenobserver.com/front-page/1208-houthis-start-three-day-conference-in-capital.html|archive-date=16 February 2015}}</ref> or '''2014–15 Yemeni coup d'état''' (by opponents),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31169773|title=Yemen rebels announce takeover|work=BBC News|date=February 6, 2015|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=July 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724062902/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31169773|url-status=live}}</ref> was a popular revolution against Yemeni President [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]] led by the [[Houthis]] and their supporters that pushed the [[Yemeni government]] from power. It had origins in Houthi-led protests that began the previous month,<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-protests/tens-of-thousands-of-yemeni-houthis-protest-against-fuel-reform-government-idUSKBN0GI1O420140818|title=Tens of thousands of Yemeni Houthis protest against fuel reform, government|date=18 August 2014|access-date=5 December 2017|publisher=Reuters|author=Mohammed Ghobari|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206074540/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-protests/tens-of-thousands-of-yemeni-houthis-protest-against-fuel-reform-government-idUSKBN0GI1O420140818|url-status=live}}</ref> and escalated when the Houthis stormed the [[Yemen]]i capital [[Sanaa]] on {{nowrap|21 September 2014}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/01/23/how-the-houthis-did-it-yemen-hadi-arab-spring/|first=Laura|last=Kasinof|title=How the Houthis Did It|date=2015|website=Foreign Policy|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=30 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330021054/https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/01/23/how-the-houthis-did-it-yemen-hadi-arab-spring/|url-status=live}}</ref> causing the resignation of Prime Minister [[Mohammed Basindawa]], and later the resignation of President [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]] and his ministers on {{nowrap|22 January 2015}} after Houthi forces seized the presidential palace, residence, and key military installations, and the formation of a ruling council by Houthi militants on {{nowrap|6 February 2015}}.<ref name="shifting">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/26/world/middleeast/yemeni-parliament-cancels-meeting-on-presidents-resignation.html?_r=0|author=Mona El-naggar|title=Shifting Alliances Play Out Behind Closed Doors in Yemen|date=2015|website=The New York Times|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211121254/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/26/world/middleeast/yemeni-parliament-cancels-meeting-on-presidents-resignation.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref>

The unrest began on 18 August 2014 as the Houthis, angered over a government-implemented removal of fuel subsidies, called for mass protests.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/01/26/yemens-transitional-road-map-was-a-half-brained-dead-end-coup-houthis/|first=Adam|last=Baron|title=Yemen's Transitional Road Map to Chaos|date=2015|website=Foreign Policy|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=31 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131035927/http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/01/26/yemens-transitional-road-map-was-a-half-brained-dead-end-coup-houthis/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 September, as the Houthis [[Battle of Sanaa (2014)|took control]] of Sanaa, the [[Yemeni Army]] did not formally intervene, other than troops affiliated with General [[Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar]] and the [[Muslim Brotherhood]]-affiliated [[Al-Islah (Yemen)|Al-Islah Party]].<ref name="Transfeld 2014">{{cite web|url=http://muftah.org/houthis-successful-yemen/#.VCicqfldWSo|first=Mareike|last=Transfeld|title=Capturing Sanaa: Why the Houthis Were Successful in Yemen|date=2014|website=Muftah|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021042202/http://muftah.org/houthis-successful-yemen/#.VCicqfldWSo|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hrw.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/11/18/yemen-civilian-toll-fighting-capital|title=Yemen: Civilian Toll of Fighting in Capital|date=2014|website=Human Rights Watch|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=29 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429143951/https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/11/18/yemen-civilian-toll-fighting-capital|url-status=live}}</ref> After gaining control over key government buildings in Sana'a, the Houthis and government signed a [[United Nations|UN]]-brokered deal on 21 September to form a "unity government".<ref name="sabanews.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.sabanews.net/en/news369204.htm|title=The Peace and National Partnership Agreement|date=22 September 2014|website=Saba News Agency|access-date=20 October 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924114647/http://www.sabanews.net/en/news369204.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The unrest took a dramatic turn in January 2015, when Houthi fighters seized control of the presidential palace and Hadi's residence in an effort to gain more influence over the government and the drafting of a new constitution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.qantara.de/content/the-crisis-in-yemen-the-primacy-of-stability-over-real-change|author=Marie-Christine Heinze|title=The primacy of stability over real change|date=30 January 2015|website=Qantra|access-date=2 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206053146/http://en.qantara.de/content/the-crisis-in-yemen-the-primacy-of-stability-over-real-change|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Charles Schmit 2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.mei.edu/content/at/yemens-ansar-allah-causes-and-effects-its-pursuit-power|first=Charles|last=Schmit|title=Yemen's Ansar Allah: Causes and Effects of Its Pursuit of Power|date=2015|website=American Institute of Yemeni Studies|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=27 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927070300/http://www.mei.edu/content/at/yemens-ansar-allah-causes-and-effects-its-pursuit-power|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 January, Hadi and his government resigned ''en masse'' rather than comply with the Houthis' demands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.c-span.org/video/?324094-1%2Fdiscussion-political-unrest-yemen|title=Political Unrest in Yemen|date=2015|website=C-Span|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=1 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201200958/http://www.c-span.org/video/?324094-1%2Fdiscussion-political-unrest-yemen|url-status=live}}</ref> Three weeks later, the Houthis declared parliament to be dissolved and installed a [[Revolutionary Committee (Yemen)|Revolutionary Committee]] as the interim authority, although they agreed to keep the House of Representatives in place two weeks later as part of a power-sharing agreement.<ref name="agreeon">{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/yemen-feuding-parties-agree-transitional-council-150220065456873.html|agency=Al Jazeera|date=20 February 2015|access-date=19 February 2015|title=Yemen feuding parties agree on transitional council|archive-date=17 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517134847/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/yemen-feuding-parties-agree-transitional-council-150220065456873.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="shifting"/> The Houthi-led interim authority has been rejected by other internal opposition groups and has not been recognized internationally.

In March 2015, the [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]] began with airstrikes and a naval [[blockade of Yemen|blockade]] to restore Hadi's government to power. The United States and the United Kingdom both support a political solution in Yemen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://regnum.ru/news/polit/2264437.html|title=Люди страдают от голода из-за военных конфликтов — Еврокомиссия|access-date=2017-05-06|archive-date=2017-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012063153/https://regnum.ru/news/polit/2264437.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A 2017 [[UNICEF]] report stated that nearly half a million underage children in Yemen were on the verge of starvation, and about seven million people were facing acute food shortages.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mid.ru/diverse/-/asset_publisher/zwI2FuDbhJx9/content/brifing-oficial-nogo-predstavitela-mid-rossii-m-v-zaharovoj-moskva-3-fevrala-2017-goda | title= Брифинг официального представителя МИД России М.В.Захаровой, Москва, 3 февраля 2017 года - Разное - Министерство иностранных дел Российской Федерации| access-date=2017-05-06 | archive-date=2017-10-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012063318/http://www.mid.ru/diverse/-/asset_publisher/zwI2FuDbhJx9/content/brifing-oficial-nogo-predstavitela-mid-rossii-m-v-zaharovoj-moskva-3-fevrala-2017-goda | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016, the [[UN]] stated that, in Yemen, almost 7.5 million children needed medical care, and 370,000 children were on the verge of starvation.

==Background==
{{Further|Economy of Yemen}}
On July 30, 2014, the [[Yemeni government]] announced an increase in fuel prices as part of reforms to subsidy programs, which aimed at unlocking foreign funding and easing pressure on the budget. The lifting of subsidies came after pressure from the [[International Monetary Fund]], which conditioned its continued financial assistance on these reforms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://muftah.org/protests-yemeni-government-raised-fuel-prices/|first=Mareike|last=Transfeld|title=Protests Against Increased Fuel Prices in Yemen|date=2014|website=Muftah|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=27 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927055528/http://muftah.org/protests-yemeni-government-raised-fuel-prices/|url-status=live}}</ref> The government raised the price of regular gasoline to 200 [[Yemeni riyal]]s per liter (93 US cents) from 125 riyals (58 US cents). The price of diesel used for public transport and trucks rose to 195 riyals per liter (91 US cents) from 100 riyals (46 US cents).<ref name="csmonitor.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0730/Yemen-s-fuel-prices-nearly-double-after-government-ends-subsidies|title=Yemen's fuel prices nearly double after government ends subsidies|date=2014|website=Christian Science Monitor|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=15 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215193854/http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0730/Yemen-s-fuel-prices-nearly-double-after-government-ends-subsidies|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Yemen]] had among the highest level of [[energy subsidies]] in the region. Given its low per capita income and staggering fiscal deficit, the country could not afford to subsidize energy especially since the elite got the most benefit from subsidized prices, not the poor.<ref name="Danya Greenfield and Svetlana Milbert 2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/protests-in-yemen-expose-weak-governance-and-poor-economic-planning#.VAYNOUcEY3g.twitter|author=Danya Greenfield and Svetlana Milbert|title=Protests in Yemen Expose Weak Governance and Poor Economic Planning|date=2014|website=Atlantic Council|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=27 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927155154/http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/protests-in-yemen-expose-weak-governance-and-poor-economic-planning#.VAYNOUcEY3g.twitter|url-status=live}}</ref> Fuel subsidies were benefiting [[Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar|powerful political allies]] of [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]], who were smuggling subsidized oil to neighboring markets where they would reap huge profits.<ref>{{cite book|author= Steven C. Caton|date=2013|series=Middle East in Focus |title= Yemen|page=121|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9781598849288}}</ref> In 2013, fuel subsidies cost the Yemeni government $3 billion,  roughly 20 percent of state expenditure, according to a Finance Ministry statement carried by [[Saba News Agency|Yemen's official news agency]].<ref name="csmonitor.com"/>

All the same, fuel subsidies were among the few widely available social goods in [[Yemen]]. They kept down the cost of transport, water, and food, while supporting local industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/report/100535/yemen-fuel-subsidy-cuts-hit-poor-hardest|title=Yemen fuel subsidy cuts hit poor hardest|date=2014|website=IRIN News|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=15 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215194159/http://www.irinnews.org/report/100535/yemen-fuel-subsidy-cuts-hit-poor-hardest|url-status=live}}</ref> The cash-strapped Yemeni government had been negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for more than a year to secure a loan as a way to access much needed financing. The loan program would require the removal of these subsidies, but the IMF recommended gradual price adjustments and an information and communication campaign to prepare the public. Neither of these were done.<ref name="Danya Greenfield and Svetlana Milbert 2014"/> The IMF and other international donors also emphasized the need to expand the social safety net and cash transfer payments to those who would be most affected by the price increases. The [[United States]] and other donors had even increased their contributions to the Social Welfare Fund in the summer of 2014 in anticipation of subsidy removal. The Yemeni government ignored the advice.<ref name="Danya Greenfield and Svetlana Milbert 2014"/>

The transitional government, brokered by the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]], established in November 2011, was split equally between Saleh's [[General People's Congress (Yemen)|General People's Congress Party]] and the conservative [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[Al-Islah (Yemen)|Al-Islah Party]], Yemen's main [[Islamist]] party that was a key presence in the regime that [[Yemeni Revolution|protesters]] tried to overthrow in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/09/26/shifting-balances-of-power-in-yemens-crisis/|first=Silvana|last=Toska|title=Shifting balances of power in Yemen's crisis|date=26 September 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=24 October 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006145424/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/09/26/shifting-balances-of-power-in-yemens-crisis/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.vice.com/article/what-do-the-protesting-houthis-really-want-in-yemen|first=Peter|last=Salisbury|title=What Do the Protesting Houthis Really Want in Yemen?|date=2014|website=Vice News|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=27 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927193720/https://news.vice.com/article/what-do-the-protesting-houthis-really-want-in-yemen|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Laura|last=Kasinof|date=2014|title=Don't Be Afraid of the Bullets: An Accidental War Correspondent in Yemen|page=195|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing, Inc|isbn=9781628724639}}</ref> The new government left out the Houthis.<ref name=":0" />

Instead of reshaping the political order to bring in new political voices, address corruption, and introduce responsive and accountable governance, partisan interests largely paralyzed the transitional government led by [[Mohammed Basindawa]], perpetuating the elite dominated politics of [[Sana'a]] and its tribal allies. The Yemeni government lacked any coordinated economic planning, with key ministers hailing from competing political parties lacking any incentive to work toward a unifying vision for the country.<ref name="Danya Greenfield and Svetlana Milbert 2014"/>

The decision to lift fuel subsidies gave the Houthi movement, with its own axe to grind, the populist issue they needed to enter [[Sana'a]] and seize power.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yementimes.com/en/1838/business/4643/How-fuel-prices-led-to-the-government%E2%80%99s-fall-Budget-deficit-spells-grim-economic-forecast.htm|first=Ali|last=Saeed|title=How Fuel Prices Led To The Government's Fall Budget Deficit Spells Grim Economic Forecast|date=2014|website=Yemen Times|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906205548/http://www.yementimes.com/en/1838/business/4643/How-fuel-prices-led-to-the-government%E2%80%99s-fall-Budget-deficit-spells-grim-economic-forecast.htm|archive-date=6 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> They managed to capitalize on palpable frustration among diverse segments of the population and fears of an al-Islah dominated government.<ref name="Danya Greenfield and Svetlana Milbert 2014"/>

==Events==
[[File:Houthis-control 2014-2015.gif|350px|right|Government three times, [[Yemen]] 1990–2012]]

===2014: Fall of Sana'a===

====Houthis take the capital====
{{Main|Battle of Sanaa (2014)}}
On 18 September, Houthi rebels clashed with [[Al-Islah (Yemen)|Al-Islah]] militiamen in [[Sanaa]],<ref name="fall">{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2014/09/23/The-fall-of-Sanaa-What-next-for-Yemen-.html|agency=Al Arabiya|title=The fall of Sanaa: What next for Yemen?|first=Theodore|last=Karasik|date=23 September 2014|access-date=8 February 2015|archive-date=22 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822210413/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2014/09/23/The-fall-of-Sanaa-What-next-for-Yemen-.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and by 21 September, they advanced deep into the city, capturing the government headquarters.

On 21 September, as the Houthis [[Battle of Sana'a (2014)|took control]] of Sana'a, the [[Yemeni Army]] did not formally intervene as the moral guidance division of the armed forces declared its "support for the people's revolution".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.26sep.net/news_details.php?sid=107024|title=منتسبوا التوجيه المعنوي يعلنون تأييدهم لثورة الشعب|language=ar|date=21 September 2014|website=Yemen's Defense Ministry|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=17 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317235750/http://www.26sep.net/news_details.php?sid=107024|url-status=dead}}</ref> The troops that did fight the Houthis in an unsuccessful attempt to stop their advance were affiliated with General [[Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar]] and the conservative [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[Al-Islah (Yemen)|Al-Islah Party]].<ref name="Transfeld 2014"/><ref name="hrw.org"/> The Houthis portrayed their movement as a revolution against corruption and embezzlement which was draining state coffers.<ref name=":1" />

[[Prime Minister of Yemen|Prime Minister]] [[Mohammed Basindawa]] resigned accusing segments of the military and government of supporting the revolt and condemned Hadi.<ref name="ae">{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/yemeni-prime-minister-resigns-as-shiite-rebels-sieze-government-headquarters|agency=The National|title=Yemeni prime minister resigns as Shiite rebels seize government headquarters|date=21 September 2014|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=21 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421075049/http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/yemeni-prime-minister-resigns-as-shiite-rebels-sieze-government-headquarters|url-status=live}}</ref> After gaining control over key government buildings in Sana'a, the Houthis and government signed a [[United Nations|UN]]-brokered deal on 21 September to form a "unity government".<ref name="sabanews.net"/> The Houthis, along with several other Yemeni political groups, signed a deal entitled the Peace and Partnership Agreement which provided for the formation of a new unity government.<ref name="Aawsat">{{cite news|title=Houthis secure six ministerial portfolios in new Yemeni cabinet|url=http://www.aawsat.net/2014/10/article55337905|date=26 October 2014|access-date=29 October 2014|newspaper=ASharq Al-Awsat|author=Hamdan Al-Rahbi|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029134357/http://www.aawsat.net/2014/10/article55337905|archive-date=29 October 2014}}</ref>

By 22 September, at least 340 people had been killed in fighting in Sana'a.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-22/271549-at-least-200-killed-in-recent-yemen-fighting-ministry.ashx#axzz3E3iuXhsm|title=At least 340 killed in Yemen's week-long fighting|work=The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-date=9 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309063031/http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-22/271549-at-least-200-killed-in-recent-yemen-fighting-ministry.ashx#axzz3E3iuXhsm|url-status=live}}</ref>  Fighting continued even after the signing of the power-sharing agreement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-27/272202-houthi-rebels-attack-yemen-security-chiefs-home.ashx#axzz3DwXZNAOv|title=Houthi rebels attack Yemen security chief's home|work=The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-date=29 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929101332/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-27/272202-houthi-rebels-attack-yemen-security-chiefs-home.ashx#axzz3DwXZNAOv|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Government under pressure====
[[Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak]], the chief of staff to President [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]], was initially named as Basindawa's successor on 7 October, but he declined the post under pressure from the Houthis.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0HX28P20141008|work=Reuters|title=Yemen's new prime minister quits after Houthis call mass protest|date=8 October 2014|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108162424/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0HX28P20141008|url-status=live}}</ref> The fighting left dead another 123&nbsp;fighters on both sides.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/09/yemen-houthi-rebels-advance-into-sanaa-201492091233845119.html|title=Yemen's Houthi rebels advance into Sanaa|work=aljazeera.com|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-date=11 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911222918/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/09/yemen-houthi-rebels-advance-into-sanaa-201492091233845119.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 October, a suicide bomb tore through [[Tahrir Square, Sana'a|Tahrir Square]] just before a major rally was scheduled to start. The attack killed 47 people and wounded 75, mostly supporters of the Houthis. Government officials believe the attack was perpetrated by [[al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula]], a rival of both the Yemeni government and the Houthis.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Salisbury|first1=Peter|title=Yemen suicide attack kills dozens|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/09/yemen-suicide-attack-kills-20|access-date=9 October 2014|agency=[[The Guardian]]|date=9 October 2014|archive-date=9 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009104556/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/09/yemen-suicide-attack-kills-20|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Khaled Bahah]] was named prime minister by Hadi on 13 October with the agreement of the Houthis.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/new-yemeni-prime-minister-appointed-20141013112111586298.html|agency=Al Jazeera|title=Yemen appoints new PM to end crisis|date=13 October 2014|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=14 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214045552/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/10/new-yemeni-prime-minister-appointed-20141013112111586298.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 7 November, the [[United Nations Security Council]] placed sanctions on former president [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]] and two Houthi commanders, Abdullah Yahya al Hakim and Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi, for obstructing the Yemeni political process.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.N. sanctions Yemen's ex-President Saleh, two rebel leaders|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-un-sanctions-idUKKBN0IR2EC20141107|newspaper=Reuters|date=7 November 2014|access-date=14 November 2014|author=Michelle Nichols|archive-date=12 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212082635/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-un-sanctions-idUKKBN0IR2EC20141107|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Saleh's political party, the [[General People's Congress (Yemen)|General People's Congress]], stripped Hadi of his party positions in response, accusing him of instigating the sanctions.<ref name="Aljazeera1">{{cite news|title=Yemen swears in new government amid boycott|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/11/yemen-swear-new-government-2014118223745207779.html|access-date=14 November 2014|date=9 November 2014|newspaper=Al Jazeera|archive-date=11 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111191802/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/11/yemen-swear-new-government-2014118223745207779.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The new government called for by the Peace and Partnership Agreement was sworn in on 9 November. However, the Houthis and the General People's Congress refused to participate in the new government.<ref name="Aljazeera1"/>

The Houthis continued to flex their muscle in December, blocking General [[Hussein Khairan]] from entering his office after Hadi appointed him army chief over their objections and accusing the president of "corruption".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-houthis-hadi-idUSKBN0JU16V20141216|title=Houthis block Yemen army chief, accuse president of corruption|newspaper=Reuters|date=December 16, 2014|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=June 15, 2020|archive-date=June 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615060846/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-houthis-hadi-idUSKBN0JU16V20141216|url-status=live}}</ref> They also reportedly abducted activist [[Shadi Khasrouf]] in Sana'a, amid demonstrations in the city demanding their withdrawal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/177538/houthis-abduct-yemeni-activist-in-sanaa.html|agency=The Journal of Turkish Weekly|title=Houthis abduct Yemeni activist in Sanaa|date=20 December 2014|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221205416/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/177538/houthis-abduct-yemeni-activist-in-sanaa.html|archive-date=21 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Bahah warned he and his government could resign over Houthi interference with state institutions, which also included the eviction of top state oil company officials from their offices, the prevention of [[Al Hudaydah]]'s port director from entering his office, and the firing of four provincial governors.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-houthis-idUSKBN0JV1DP20141217|work=Reuters|title=Yemeni premier suggests he could resign as Houthis tighten grip|first=Mohammed|last=Ghobari|date=17 December 2014|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222092714/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-houthis-idUSKBN0JV1DP20141217|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2015: Hadi resigns===
[[File:Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi 2013.jpg|175px|thumbnail|right|President [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]], who resigned on 22 January 2015 in Sana'a. A month later, he escaped to his hometown of Aden, rescinded his resignation, and denounced the Houthi takeover.]]

====Government forced from power====
On 18 January 2015, the Houthis kidnapped [[Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak]], the president's chief of staff, in a dispute over changes proposed in a new constitution.<ref name="kidnap">{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/gunmen-kidnap-yemeni-presidents-chief-staff-ahmed-awad-bin-mubarak-2-security-guards-1786646|agency=International Business Times|title=Gunmen Kidnap Yemeni President's Chief Of Staff Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, 2 Security Guards|date=17 January 2015|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127010343/https://www.ibtimes.com/gunmen-kidnap-yemeni-presidents-chief-staff-ahmed-awad-bin-mubarak-2-security-guards-1786646|url-status=live}}</ref> The group rejected the proposed draft of the constitution, which internally organized [[Federalization of Yemen|Yemen into six federal regions]], while imposing presidential term limits, creating a [[bicameral legislature]], and banning political parties based on religious or ethnic affiliation. Instead, they expressed a desire for Yemen to be partitioned into two federal regions.<ref name="statenews">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/19/yemen-state-news-agency-tv-station-seized-by-shia-rebels|agency=The Guardian|date=19 January 2015|access-date=24 February 2015|title=Yemen state news agency and TV station seized by Shia Houthi rebels|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215652/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/19/yemen-state-news-agency-tv-station-seized-by-shia-rebels|url-status=live|quote=Houthis, who comprise around 30% of the country’s population, want Yemen instead to be divided into two regions, which would give them a better chance of consolidating their new-found power.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Madabish |first=Arafat |date=18 January 2015 |title=Yemen: Uncertainty over new constitution continues following kidnapping |url=http://www.aawsat.net/2015/01/article55340536/yemen-uncertainty-over-new-constitution-continues-following-kidnapping |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718132239/http://www.aawsat.net/2015/01/article55340536/yemen-uncertainty-over-new-constitution-continues-following-kidnapping |archive-date=18 July 2015 |access-date=24 February 2015 |quote=The new document, one of the outcomes of the political road map adopted by the National Dialogue Conference, proposes reforming Yemen’s political system by dividing it into six federal states, four in the north and two in the south. |agency=Asharq al-Awsat}}</ref>

On 19 January, Houthi gunmen surrounded the prime minister's residence in [[Sana'a]]. Fierce clashes between the rebels and the Presidential Guard erupted earlier in the day in which at least eight people were killed before a truce was agreed. A Houthi activist, Hussain Albukhaiti, said the group had been "provoked" into Monday's fighting after two of their positions were attacked.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yemen crisis: Houthi rebels surround PM's residence|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30888190|access-date=20 January 2015|date=19 January 2015|newspaper=BBC|archive-date=19 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119213014/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30888190|url-status=live}}</ref> The Houthis also seized Yemen TV and the [[Saba News Agency]] headquarters. They accused Hadi of reneging on his promises regarding the draft constitution and arming [[al Qaeda]], while government officials described the Houthi actions as a "move toward a coup".<ref name="statenews"/>

On 20 January, forces loyal to the Houthis attacked the president's residence and swept into the [[Presidential Palace (Yemen)|presidential palace]]. President Hadi was inside the residence as it came under "heavy shelling" for a half-hour, but he was unharmed and protected by guards, according to Information Minister [[Nadia Al-Sakkaf]]. Presidential guards surrendered the residence after being assured that Hadi could safely evacuate. Two guards were reportedly killed in the assault. The rebels roamed the streets of Sana'a on foot and in pickup trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns, manned checkpoints across the city and near the prime minister's residence, and fortified their presence around other key buildings, including intelligence headquarters. The [[United Nations Security Council|U.N. Security Council]] called an emergency meeting about the unfolding events. United Nations Secretary-General [[Ban Ki-moon]] expressed concern over the "deteriorating situation" in Yemen and urged all sides to cease hostilities.<ref name="shell">{{cite news|title=Rebels capture Yemen presidential palace, shell residence|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/01/20/yemen-shiite-rebels/22038397/|access-date=20 January 2015|date=20 January 2015|newspaper=USA Today|archive-date=20 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120181521/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/01/20/yemen-shiite-rebels/22038397/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Yemen rebels overtake presidential palace|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/1/20/yemen-crisis-negotiations.html|access-date=20 January 2015|date=20 January 2015|newspaper=Al Jazeera|archive-date=20 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120232431/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/1/20/yemen-crisis-negotiations.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Abdul-Malik al-Houthi]], leader of the Houthi movement, gave a lengthy speech on Yemeni television demanding that Hadi move more quickly to implement political changes demanded by the Houthis. He also threatened an armed attack on [[Ma'rib]], a restive town in central Yemen.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/world/middleeast/presidential-residence-in-yemen-is-attacked.html?_r=0|agency=The New York Times|date=20 January 2015|access-date=20 January 2015|title=Coup Fears Rise in Yemen as Rebels Storm Palace|work=The New York Times |archive-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082025/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/world/middleeast/presidential-residence-in-yemen-is-attacked.html?_r=0|url-status=live|last1=Almosawa |first1=Shuaib |last2=Fahim |first2=Kareem }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=The Yemen Peace Project|url=http://www.yemenpeaceproject.org/blogpost/analysis-commentary/al-huthi-lays-down-the-law/|access-date=20 January 2015|date=20 January 2015|title=Al-Huthi Lays Down the Law|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121083847/http://www.yemenpeaceproject.org/blogpost/analysis-commentary/al-huthi-lays-down-the-law/|archive-date=21 January 2015}}</ref> The next day, Houthi guards took control of Hadi's residence, although a Houthi official claimed the president was free to come and go as he wished. Yemeni military sources said the Houthis also seized the military aviation college located close to Hadi's home, and the main missile base in Sana'a, without a fight.<ref name="takeover">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/21/yemen-president-houthi-guard_n_6514692.html|agency=The Huffington Post|title=Yemen's President Under Guard Of Houthi Rebels|date=January 21, 2015|access-date=January 21, 2015|archive-date=January 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121193610/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/21/yemen-president-houthi-guard_n_6514692.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Local officials in the southern Yemeni port city of [[Aden]] responded to the Houthi takeover of the presidential palace and residence by closing its airport, seaport, and land crossings. The city's local security committee called the Houthis' moves an "aggressive coup against the president personally and the political process as a whole".<ref name="takeover"/>

On 21 January, a ceasefire between the Houthis and the government forces was agreed after fighting around the presidential palace, which left nine dead and 67 injured and prompted Prime Minister [[Khaled Bahah]] to go into hiding after he was allegedly shot at while exiting a meeting with Hadi and the Houthis.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/19/world/yemen-palace-clashes/|agency=CNN|title=Ceasefire reached in Yemen after day of heavy fighting, officials say|date=22 January 2015|access-date=23 February 2015|archive-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224090114/http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/19/world/yemen-palace-clashes/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ceasefire met a series of rebel demands, including the expansion of Houthi representation in parliament and state institutions. In return, the rebels said they would pull back from their positions and free the president's chief of staff.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/21/yemen-president-abed-mansour-hadi-yields-houthi-rebels|agency=The Guardian|title=Yemeni president capitulates to the demands of Houthi rebels|date=21 January 2015|access-date=23 February 2015|archive-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224091420/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/21/yemen-president-abed-mansour-hadi-yields-houthi-rebels|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the ceasefire was short-lived.

On 22 January, Hadi and Bahah tendered their resignations, saying circumstances in Yemen had been altered by the Houthi advance into the capital in September 2014; Bahah declared he resigned to "avoid being dragged into an abyss of unconstructive policies based on no law".<ref name="letters">{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/yemens-president-cabinet-resign-amid-rebel-standoff/|agency=Fox News|title=Yemen's president, cabinet resign amid rebel standoff|date=22 January 2015|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=25 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125064554/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/01/22/shiite-rebels-remain-deployed-outside-yemeni-presidents-house-despite/|url-status=live}}</ref> While senior Houthi officials reportedly welcomed Hadi's resignation,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30936940|agency=BBC|title=Yemen crisis: President resigns as rebels tighten hold|date=January 22, 2015|access-date=January 22, 2015|archive-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820035318/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30936940|url-status=live}}</ref> a statement from the Houthi leadership said the country's parliament would have to approve it in order for it to become effective.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-22/yemen-rebels-reach-deal-with-hadi-to-pull-back-from-palace-1-.html|agency=Bloomberg|title=Yemen President Hadi Resigns After Shiite Rebels Seize Palace|date=22 January 2015|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=23 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123033521/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-22/yemen-rebels-reach-deal-with-hadi-to-pull-back-from-palace-1-.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Slogan of the Houthi Movement.svg|250px|thumbnail|left|The banner of the [[Houthis]], with the slogan (in [[Arabic language|Arabic]]) ''"God is Great, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam"''.<br />Commenting on the meaning of the slogan, Ali al Bukhayti, the former spokesperson and official media face of the Houthis said: "We do not really want death to anyone. The slogan is simply against the interference of those governments."<ref>{{cite news|title=Photo Essay: Rise of the Houthis|url=http://www.newsweek.com/photo-essay-rise-houthis-305511|work=[[Newsweek]]|date=9 February 2015|access-date=27 March 2015|archive-date=12 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112215529/http://www.newsweek.com/photo-essay-rise-houthis-305511|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

====Power vacuum====
In the wake of the resignations, security officials in Aden and other southern cities reportedly declared they would no longer accept orders from Sana'a, with some reports indicating they would seek [[South Yemen|an independent south]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/shiite-rebels-remain-yemen-president-house-28396922|agency=ABC News|title=Yemen's US-Backed President Quits; Country Could Split Apart|date=22 January 2015|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122112113/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/shiite-rebels-remain-yemen-president-house-28396922|url-status=live}}</ref>

Thousands demonstrated in Aden, [[Al Hudaydah]], [[Ibb]] and [[Taiz]], among other cities, against the Houthi coup on 23 January, with protesters in Aden hoisting the [[flag of South Yemen]] over [[Aden International Airport]] and several government buildings. A prominent Houthi figure resigned from the movement, saying on [[Facebook]] he would prefer to serve as a mediator now that the Houthis had become "the official authority" in Yemen. But tens of thousands demonstrated in Sana'a in support of the Houthis, converging on the airport road. They raised green flags and banners proclaiming their slogan — "Death to America, [[Calls for the destruction of Israel|death to Israel]], a curse on the Jews and victory to Islam".<ref>{{cite news|title=Photo Essay: Rise of the Houthis|url=http://www.newsweek.com/photo-essay-rise-houthis-305511|work=[[Newsweek]]|date=9 February 2015|access-date=27 March 2015|archive-date=12 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112215529/http://www.newsweek.com/photo-essay-rise-houthis-305511|url-status=live}} Commenting on the meaning of the slogan, Ali al Bukhayti, the former spokesperson and official media face of the Houthis said: "We do not really want death to anyone. The slogan is simply against the interference of those governments."</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/yemen-rebels-call-protests-day-president-resigns-28425072|agency=ABC News|title=Yemen's Shiite Rebels Try to Avoid Overstepping Amid Protest|date=23 January 2015|access-date=23 January 2015|archive-date=24 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124034516/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/yemen-rebels-call-protests-day-president-resigns-28425072|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Reuters]] reported on 25 January that several leaders of the [[Southern Movement]] had announced the south's secession, although none spoke for the entire region.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-fragmentation-analysis-idUSKBN0KY0BR20150125|work=Reuters|title=Yemen risks disintegration as south rejects Shi'ite group's takeover|date=25 January 2015|access-date=25 January 2015|archive-date=27 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227162335/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-fragmentation-analysis-idUSKBN0KY0BR20150125|url-status=live}}</ref> Also, a special parliamentary session scheduled for lawmakers to consider whether to accept or reject Hadi's resignation was cancelled. Houthi militiamen also reportedly broke up a protest near [[Sana'a University]], beating and detaining several journalists in the process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/yemen-parliament-postpones-meeting-president-resignation-072316072.html|title=Yemen crisis deepens but Obama vows Qaeda pursuit|website=news.yahoo.com|access-date=2020-06-15|archive-date=2020-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615061110/https://news.yahoo.com/yemen-parliament-postpones-meeting-president-resignation-072316072.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak|Bin Mubarak]] was reportedly released by the Houthis on 27 January. He was handed over to local tribes in the [[Shabwa Governorate]], according to a representative of the group.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/01/houthis-free-top-aide-yemen-president-150127144552184.html|agency=Al Jazeera|title=Houthis free top aide to Yemen president|date=27 January 2015|access-date=27 January 2015|archive-date=7 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907122126/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/01/houthis-free-top-aide-yemen-president-150127144552184.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day in a televised speech Houthi leader [[Abdul Malik Al Houthi]] called for a meeting in Sana'a on 30 January between political factions and tribal leaders to try to end political uncertainty.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/militants-in-yemen-free-presidents-top-aide-1422387831|agency=The Wall Street Journal|title=Militants in Yemen Free President's Top Aide|date=27 January 2015|access-date=28 January 2015|archive-date=28 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128054627/http://www.wsj.com/articles/militants-in-yemen-free-presidents-top-aide-1422387831|url-status=live}}</ref> Most factions boycotted the meeting, with only [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]]'s [[General People's Congress (Yemen)|GPC]] joining the discussions. Al Houthi reportedly proposed a six-member "transitional presidential council" with equal representation from the [[Yemen Arab Republic|north]] and the [[South Yemen|south]], but [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] said the Southern Movement refused to participate in the talks and hundreds protested in Aden against the proposal. The Southern Movement also announced it would pull out of [[United Nations]]–mediated talks on a power-sharing deal, calling them "pointless".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/yemen-houthis-hold-boycotted-talks-single-party-150130225551929.html|agency=Al Jazeera|title=Yemen's Houthis hold boycotted talks with single party|date=31 January 2015|access-date=31 January 2015|archive-date=7 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907113336/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/yemen-houthis-hold-boycotted-talks-single-party-150130225551929.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Toward the end of January, several U.S.-based media outlets reported that the U.S. government had begun reaching out to the Houthis in an effort to establish a working relationship with the group, despite its official anti-American position.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/world/middleeast/houthis-reach-out-as-they-consolidate-power-in-yemen.html?_r=0|title=Houthis Reach Out as They Cement Power in Yemen|first=Mona|last=Al-Naggar|work=The New York Times |agency=The New York Times|date=29 January 2015|access-date=31 January 2015|archive-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204030610/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/world/middleeast/houthis-reach-out-as-they-consolidate-power-in-yemen.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-strategic-shift-u-s-draws-closer-to-yemeni-rebels-1422576308|agency=The Wall Street Journal|title=In Strategic Shift, U.S. Draws Closer to Yemeni Rebels|date=28 January 2015|access-date=31 January 2015|archive-date=31 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131180604/http://www.wsj.com/articles/in-strategic-shift-u-s-draws-closer-to-yemeni-rebels-1422576308|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 February, the last day of the "national conference" convened in Sana'a by the Houthis, the group issued an ultimatum to Yemen's political factions warning that if they did not "reach a solution to the current political crisis", then the Houthi "revolutionary leadership" would assume formal authority over the state.<ref name="houthiultimatum">{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/02/houthis-set-deadline-resolve-yemen-crisis-150201162733824.html|agency=Al Jazeera|title=Houthis set deadline to resolve Yemen crisis|date=1 February 2015|access-date=2 February 2015|archive-date=7 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907113103/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/02/houthis-set-deadline-resolve-yemen-crisis-150201162733824.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yementimes.com/en/1856/news/4852/Opposition-critical-of-Houthis%E2%80%99-three-day-ultimatum.htm|agency=The Yemen Times|title=OPPOSITION CRITICAL OF HOUTHIS' THREE DAY ULTIMATUM|date=2 February 2015|access-date=2 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326141754/http://www.yementimes.com/en/1856/news/4852/Opposition-critical-of-Houthis%E2%80%99-three-day-ultimatum.htm|archive-date=26 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Houthis also reportedly acquired 10 warplanes and ammunition, which they stored at their base in [[Sa'dah]].<ref name="houthiultimatum"/>

====Houthi constitutional declaration====
After about a week of negotiations between the Houthis and other Yemeni political factions, a Houthi representative announced on television from the Republican Palace in Sana'a that as of 6 February, the group was taking control of the country. The statement declared the [[House of Representatives (Yemen)|House of Representatives]] dissolved and said a "presidential council" would be formed to lead Yemen for two years, while "revolutionary committees" would be put in charge of forming a new, 551-member parliament.<ref name="takeovergovt">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/06/houthis-yemen-takeover_n_6630070.html|title=Houthi Rebels Take Over Yemen's Government|date=6 February 2015|access-date=6 February 2015|agency=The Huffington Post|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206171011/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/06/houthis-yemen-takeover_n_6630070.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Feb-06/286654-yemens-houthi-rebels-announce-they-are-taking-over-the-country-dissolve-parliament.ashx|agency=The Daily Star|title=Yemen's Houthis dissolve parliament, take over power|date=6 February 2015|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127001037/https://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2015/Feb-06/286654-yemens-houthi-rebels-announce-they-are-taking-over-the-country-dissolve-parliament.ashx|url-status=live}}</ref> Defence Minister [[Mahmoud al-Subaihi]] was placed in charge of a [[Supreme Security Committee (Yemen)|Supreme Security Committee]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/world/middleeast/overture-by-houthis-to-ousted-officials.html|agency=The New York Times|title=Saudis Unswayed by Houthi Rebels' Overture in Yemen|work=The New York Times |date=7 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=8 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208042502/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/world/middleeast/overture-by-houthis-to-ousted-officials.html|url-status=live|last1=Nordland |first1=Rod |last2=Almosawa |first2=Shuaib }}</ref> while [[Mohammed Ali al-Houthi]] became acting president as the head of the [[Revolutionary Committee (Yemen)|Revolutionary Committee]].<ref name="glorious">{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/houthi-leader-vows-defend-glorious-revolution-150207145038603.html|agency=Al Jazeera|title=Houthi leader vows to defend 'glorious revolution'|date=8 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=8 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208030516/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/houthi-leader-vows-defend-glorious-revolution-150207145038603.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The UN refused to acknowledge the announcement. [[Mohammed al-Sabri]] of the opposition [[Political parties in Yemen#List of coalitions|Joint Meeting Parties]] predicted the Houthi "coup" would lead to Yemen's international isolation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/02/yemen-houthi-rebels-announce-presidential-council-150206122736448.html|agency=Al Jazeera|title=Yemen's Houthi rebels announce government takeover|date=6 February 2015|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=2 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702011010/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/02/yemen-houthi-rebels-announce-presidential-council-150206122736448.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Gulf Co-operation Council]] also condemned the coup, and the [[United States]] rejected the declaration. There were protests in [[Aden]], [[Ta'izz]], and other major cities, as well as the capital, on 7 February.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/thousands-protest-houthi-coup-yemen-150207082035654.html|agency=Al Jazeera|title=Thousands protest against Houthi coup in Yemen|date=7 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=8 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208043243/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/thousands-protest-houthi-coup-yemen-150207082035654.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In an interview with ''[[The New York Times]]'' in Sana'a, senior Houthi official [[Saleh Ali al-Sammad]] rejected the characterization of his group's armed takeover as a coup. He said the Houthis were ready to work with both other political factions in Yemen and other countries, including the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/11/world/middleeast/yemen-houthi-leader-pledges-to-pursue-power-sharing-accord.html?_r=0|agency=The New York Times|title=U.S. Embassy Shuts in Yemen, Even as Militant Leader Reaches Out|work=The New York Times |date=10 February 2015|access-date=10 February 2015|archive-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211121557/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/11/world/middleeast/yemen-houthi-leader-pledges-to-pursue-power-sharing-accord.html?_r=0|url-status=live|last1=Nordland |first1=Rod |last2=Almosawa |first2=Shuaib }}</ref>

'''Recent Conflicts:'''

====2021: The Houthi–ROYG war in the north: The battle for Marib====
Houthi forces have been launching operations against the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) forces in Marib governorate since early 2020. The ROYG's remaining northern bastion is the Marib governorate. While Yemen imports over 90% of its oil and gas, Marib features multiple oil fields (where Exxon and Overall SA hold concessions) and an oil refinery that provides for roughly 8% of Yemen's total energy demands. A power plant and a [[Liquefied petroleum gas|liquefied petroleum bottling]] factory are also located in Marib, which provide cooking gas to a large portion of the population. Initially, the Houthi onslaught against Marib made only minor gains. The Houthis suffered substantial losses as a result of Saudi-led coalition air strikes in the spring and early summer of 2021. The landscape around Marib city is mostly flat desert plain, which exposes the Houthi ranks and makes fighting more difficult for their men who are used to battling in mountainous areas. During the summer and fall of 2021, the Houthis gained momentum as their forces sought to envelop Marib city, the governorate's titular capital. Between September and October 2021, the Houthis took control of five districts in the governorates of Marib and Shabwa (which also has oil reserves and the country's only [[liquefied natural gas]] terminal), effectively cutting off the southern road connecting Marib City and Shabwa, which was a key route for ROYG forces' resupply.<ref>{{cite book |last1=M. Shap |first1=Jeremy |title=Yemen: Civil War and Regional Intervention |url=https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/R43960.pdf |access-date=2022-01-30 |archive-date=2022-01-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126211931/https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/R43960.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Allegations of outside influence==

===Iran and North Korea===
In April 2015, [[United States National Security Council]] spokeswoman [[Bernadette Meehan]] remarked that "It remains our assessment that Iran does not exert command and control over the Houthis in Yemen".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/030917_Rand_Testimony.pdf|title=March 9, 2017. Testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee|access-date=May 21, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513055623/https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/030917_Rand_Testimony.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/030917_Rand_Testimony.pdf|title=united states senate committee on foreign relations|access-date=2017-05-21|archive-date=2017-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513055623/https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/030917_Rand_Testimony.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/20/iran-houthis-yemen_n_7101456.html|title=HuffPost|website=[[HuffPost]]|date=20 April 2015|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=6 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106102525/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/20/iran-houthis-yemen_n_7101456.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 5, 2019, [[U.S. State Department]] Iran envoy [[Brian Hook]] said in a statement where he accused Iran of wanting to prolong the war in Yemen, that "the Houthis’ de-escalation proposal, which the Saudis are responding to, shows that Iran clearly does not speak for the Houthis".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/state-department-hook-shift-yemen-houthi-independent-iran.html|title=In shift, State's Hook says Yemen's Houthis independent from Iran|last=Rozen|first=Laura|date=2019-12-05|website=Al-Monitor|language=en|access-date=2019-12-19|archive-date=2019-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219073331/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/state-department-hook-shift-yemen-houthi-independent-iran.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A statement that contradicted US justification for arming the Saudis in Yemen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/intel-state-department-saudi-war-yemen-justification.html|title=Intel: How US just contradicted its own justification for arming the Saudis in Yemen|last=Harris|first=Bryant|date=2019-12-06|website=Al-Monitor|access-date=2019-12-19|archive-date=2019-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219074837/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/intel-state-department-saudi-war-yemen-justification.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Gulf Arab states have accused Iran of backing the Houthis financially and militarily, though Iran has denied this, and they are themselves backers of President Hadi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423|title=BBC|work=BBC News|date=22 March 2022|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728081557/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Houthis are from Yemen's large [[Shia Islam|Shia]] minority, and [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] opponents of the militant group have long accused them of close ties to [[Iran]], the largest Shia-led state in the [[Middle East]] and a traditional rival of [[Saudi Arabia]], Yemen's largest neighbor and ally.<ref name="muslimi">{{cite news|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/gulf-crisis-saudi-arabia-influence-fade-yemen.html|title=Saudi Arabia losing influence in Yemen|agency=Al-Monitor|first=Farea|last=al-Muslimi|date=4 August 2014|access-date=19 February 2015|archive-date=27 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927110401/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/gulf-crisis-saudi-arabia-influence-fade-yemen.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-20/yemen-s-houthis-control-presidential-palace-official-says|agency=Bloomberg|title=Yemen Rebels Reach Deal With President, to Pull Back From Palace|date=20 January 2015|access-date=19 February 2015|first=Mohammed|last=Hatem|archive-date=22 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222031827/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-20/yemen-s-houthis-control-presidential-palace-official-says|url-status=live}}</ref> The rise of Houthi power in [[Sana'a]] was interpreted by many analysts as a boon to Iranian influence in the region.<ref name="muslimi"/><ref name="iranian">{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/yemen-coup-sign-expanding-iranian-influence-middle-east-1790420#.VMGjHKP1_WA.twitter|agency=International Business Times|title=Yemen 'Coup' A Sign Of Expanding Iranian Influence In the Middle East|date=22 January 2015|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124134908/https://www.ibtimes.com/yemen-coup-sign-expanding-iranian-influence-middle-east-1790420#.VMGjHKP1_WA.twitter|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-yemen-houthis-20150220-story.html#page=1|agency=Los Angeles Times|title=In Yemen, takeover by Houthis leaves nation's future unclear|date=19 February 2015|access-date=19 February 2015|first=Patrick|last=McDonnell|archive-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221195216/http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-yemen-houthis-20150220-story.html#page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Speaking to [[Al Arabiya]] after the Houthi announcement that parliament would be dissolved and a set of ruling councils formed to govern Yemen, one opposition politician compared the takeover to the [[Iranian Revolution]] and called it "an extension of the Iranian project".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/02/06/Yemen-s-Houthi-to-issue-constitutional-decree.html|agency=Al Arabiya|title=Houthis take charge in Yemen|date=6 February 2015|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206181232/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/02/06/Yemen-s-Houthi-to-issue-constitutional-decree.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Reuters]] quoted an unnamed "senior Iranian official" in December 2014 as saying that the Iranian [[Quds Force]] had a "few hundred" military personnel in Yemen training Houthi fighters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-houthis-iran-insight-idUSKBN0JT17A20141215|work=Reuters|title=Iranian support seen crucial for Yemen's Houthis|date=15 December 2014|access-date=19 February 2015|archive-date=2 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202145704/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/15/us-yemen-houthis-iran-insight-idUSKBN0JT17A20141215|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[White House]] spokesman [[Josh Earnest]] said in January 2015 it was unclear whether Iran was "exerting command and control" over the Houthis, although he described the [[United States|U.S.]] government as "concerned" about the reported ties between them.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wibc.com/news/national/white-house-irans-role-yemen-instability-unclear|title=White House: Iran's Role In Yemen Instability Unclear|date=23 January 2015|access-date=23 January 2015|agency=93.1FM WIBC|archive-date=28 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128133825/http://www.wibc.com/news/national/white-house-irans-role-yemen-instability-unclear|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, U.S. Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] said Iran "contributed" to the Houthi takeover and the collapse of the Yemeni government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/02/24/Iran-contributed-to-collapse-of-Yemen-govt-Kerry.html|agency=Al Arabiya|title=U.S. says Iran helped Houthis seize Yemen|date=24 February 2015|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=25 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225055113/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/02/24/Iran-contributed-to-collapse-of-Yemen-govt-Kerry.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Throughout 2021, the US, the UK, Israel, and Saudi Arabia have all provided proof of considerable Iranian military participation in Yemen. Iran admitted in April 2021 that one of its ships in the Red Sea had been targeted.
Following allegations, it was suggested that Israel may have destroyed the MV Saviz, a suspected Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps floating station used to collect intelligence and assist weapons trafficking into Yemen, according to Saudi sources.<ref>{{cite book |last1=M. Shap |first1=Jeremy |title=Yemen: Civil War and Regional Intervention |url=https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/R43960.pdf |access-date=2022-01-30 |archive-date=2022-01-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126211931/https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/R43960.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2018, the [[United Nations]] accused [[North Korea]] of trying to supply the Houthis with ballistic missiles.<ref name="North Korean aid">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-sanctions-un/north-korea-has-not-stopped-nuclear-missile-program-confidential-un-report-idUSKBN1KP026 |publisher=Reuters |title=North Korea has not stopped nuclear, missile program: confidential U.N. report |date=2018-08-03 |access-date=2018-12-06 |archive-date=2018-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206145649/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-sanctions-un/north-korea-has-not-stopped-nuclear-missile-program-confidential-un-report-idUSKBN1KP026 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Ali Abdullah Saleh===
[[File:President Ali Abdullah Saleh.jpg|175px|thumbnail|right|[[Ali Abdullah Saleh]], Yemen's longtime president who was ousted after a [[Yemeni Revolution|2011 revolution]].]]
Yemen's former president, [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]], retained significant influence in the country's politics since resigning. Numerous media reports have suggested a link between Saleh and the rising power of the Houthis, with [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] even claiming to have received a leaked tape of a phone conversation between Saleh and a Houthi leader coordinating tactics in October 2014, after the fall of Sana'a.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/audio-leak-ties-yemen-ex-leader-houthis-2015121175226439411.html|agency=Al Jazeera|title=Yemen's president and Houthis reach agreement|date=22 January 2015|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=7 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907121820/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/audio-leak-ties-yemen-ex-leader-houthis-2015121175226439411.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/analysis/2014/10/23/Eyeing-return-Yemen-s-ousted-Saleh-helps-Houthis-.html|agency=Al Arabiya|title=Eyeing return, Yemen's ousted Saleh aids Houthis|date=23 October 2014|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012072627/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/analysis/2014/10/23/Eyeing-return-Yemen-s-ousted-Saleh-helps-Houthis-.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[London]]-based online news portal [[Middle East Eye]], citing an unnamed "source close to the president", alleged that Saleh and his son [[Ahmed Saleh|Ahmed]], Yemen's ambassador to the [[United Arab Emirates]], received as much as $1 billion from the UAE to distribute to the Houthis in their campaign against Hadi's government.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Hearst|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/was-uae-behind-houthi-takeover-sanaa-1340168724|title=Was the UAE behind the Houthi takeover of Sana'a?|date=2 October 2014|access-date=15 March 2015|agency=Middle East Eye|archive-date=24 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324173743/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/was-uae-behind-houthi-takeover-sanaa-1340168724|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[United Nations|UN]] report in February 2015 concluded that Saleh "provided direct support" to the Houthis during their takeover of the capital, ordering his supporters not to impede their fighters and directing his son, former military commander [[Ahmed Ali Saleh]], to assist them in some capacity.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-reports-reveals-collusion-between-ex-president-saleh-and-yemens-houthis-1718560512|title=UN report reveals collusion between ex-president Saleh and Yemen's Houthis|date=24 February 2015|access-date=24 February 2015|first=Tom|last=Finn|agency=Middle East Eye|archive-date=25 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225044637/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-reports-reveals-collusion-between-ex-president-saleh-and-yemens-houthis-1718560512|url-status=live}}</ref>

Saleh's party, the [[General People's Congress (Yemen)|General People's Congress]], joined the Houthis in boycotting the "unity government" to which Hadi agreed under pressure after the Houthi seizure of the government headquarters. The withdrawal from the mediated political process drew swift sanctions against Saleh and Houthi leaders from both the [[United States]] and the [[United Nations]] in early November.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saleh-and-houthis-boycott-new-yemen-government-1190152028|agency=Middle East Eye|title=US blacklists Yemen ex-president Saleh, Houthi commanders|date=9 November 2014|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154949/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saleh-and-houthis-boycott-new-yemen-government-1190152028|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-un-sanctions-idUSKBN0IR2EA20141107|title=U.N. sanctions Yemen's ex-President Saleh, two rebel leaders|first=Michelle|last=Nichols|date=7 November 2014|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127162103/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-un-sanctions-idUSKBN0IR2EA20141107|url-status=live}}</ref>

The GPC initially objected to the Houthis' "constitutional declaration" on 6 February 2015. However, the party announced ten days later that it withdrew its objection.<ref name="hub">{{cite news|work=Reuters|title=Forces loyal to president seize parts of Yemen's economic hub|date=16 February 2015|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0LK0R320150216|access-date=16 February 2015|archive-date=4 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104200527/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKBN0LK0R320150216|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Aftermath==
{{Main|Aftermath of the Houthi takeover in Yemen}}
In the wake of the Houthi takeover, several [[Western world|Western]] and [[Asia]]n countries closed their embassies in [[Sana'a]]. The [[United Nations Security Council]] adopted a resolution deploring the group's seizure of power, and UN Secretary-General [[Ban Ki-moon]] and the [[Gulf Co-operation Council]] openly called for the reinstatement of [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]] as president.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/02/07/GCC-warns-Houthi-coup-in-Yemen-poses-regional-risk-.html|agency=Al Arabiya|title=GCC warns Houthi 'coup' in Yemen poses regional risk|date=7 February 2015|access-date=10 February 2015|archive-date=9 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209074147/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/02/07/GCC-warns-Houthi-coup-in-Yemen-poses-regional-risk-.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1674662|agency=Al-Alam|date=8 February 2015|title=Ban Ki-moon Odd Suggestion for Yemen|access-date=10 February 2015|archive-date=10 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210192332/http://en.alalam.ir/news/1674662|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/security-council-hold-emergency-meeting-yemen-28984416|agency=ABC News|title=UN Security Council OKs Resolution Against Yemen Rebels|first=Cara|last=Anna|date=15 February 2015|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-date=17 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217192608/http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/security-council-hold-emergency-meeting-yemen-28984416|url-status=live}}</ref>

UN envoy [[Jamal Benomar]] mediated talks between the Houthis and other major factions in Yemen after the "constitutional declaration". He announced a tentative agreement on 20 February 2015 that includes the continuation of the [[House of Representatives (Yemen)|House of Representatives]] and the formation of a "people's transitional council" that would represent southerners, women, youth, and other minority groups.<ref name="agreeon"/> However, the next day, Hadi managed to leave his residence in Sana'a and travel to [[Aden]], on the southern coast, where he declared he was still president under the Yemeni constitution and condemned what he called "the coup".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/21/world/yemen-unrest/index.html|agency=CNN|title=Yemen's Hadi flees house arrest, plans to withdraw resignation|date=21 February 2015|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206163022/https://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/21/world/yemen-unrest/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Power vacuum]]
* [[Terrorism in Yemen#US air attacks]]
* [[Yemeni Revolution]]
* [[Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni civil war]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[http://midwestdiplomacy.com/2015/01/26/demystifying-yemens-conflict/ Demystifying Yemen's Conflict (Midwest Diplomacy)]
*[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/country_profiles/1706450.stm Timeline: Yemen (BBC)]
*[http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=79410 YEMEN: The conflict in Saada Governorate – analysis], ''IRIN'', 24 July 2008

{{Yemeni Civil War (2015)}}
{{Yemen topics}}
{{Iran–Saudi Arabia relations}}
{{Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict}}
{{Post-Cold War Asian conflicts}}
{{Coup d'état}}

[[Category:Yemeni crisis]]
[[Category:2014 in Yemen]]
[[Category:2015 in Yemen]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2014]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2015]]
[[Category:21st-century revolutions]]
[[Category:Rebellions in Yemen]]
[[Category:Arab Winter in Yemen]]
[[Category:Wars involving Yemen]]
[[Category:Battles involving Yemen]]
[[Category:Houthi movement]]
[[Category:Sanaa in the Yemeni civil war (2014–present)]]
[[Category:Shia–Sunni sectarian violence]]
[[Category:Iran–Saudi Arabia relations]]
[[Category:Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict]]
[[Category:September 2014 events in Yemen]]