Explainer: Who are the Houthis?

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The Houthis began in the 1990's as a moderate theological movement of the Zaydis, a Shia minority group.

Fighting corruption was one of their main aims.

The 2003 US invasion of Iraq was a turning point. Analysts believe the war transformed the Houthis into a resistance group with deep anti-American sentiments.

In 2015, Houthi fighters seized Yemen's capital Sanaa.

It triggered more than nine years of war between the Saudi-led coalition, which backs the internationally recognised government, and the Houthis, supported by Iran.