# Houthi movement control and conflict in Yemen

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/houthi-movement-control-and-conflict-in-yemen
> Updated: 2026-09-20T11:19:56.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

Yemeni leaders and the Houthi movement are marking the 12th anniversary of the 21 September revolution. Mahdi al-Mashat, President of the Supreme Political Council, characterized the revolution as a pursuit of national sovereignty and an end to foreign dependency, describing it as a necessary response to decades of corruption and administrative chaos. He stated that while Sanaa has offered concessions, the blockade and aggression by Saudi-led forces have required a policy of “responding to escalation with escalation.”

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi also addressed the anniversary, asserting that the revolution achieved independence from American hegemony and foreign influence. He defended the movement against allegations regarding the targeting of Mecca, asserting a reverence for Islamic sanctities, including Mecca, Medina, and Al-Aqsa, while accusing the Saudi regime of exploiting religious sites for political and commercial gain. Supporters, including governors from several southern provinces, characterized the movement as a turning point that moved Yemen away from foreign guardianship.

During the anniversary celebrations, officials and supporters highlighted the revolution’s role in advancing domestic military capabilities, specifically in drone and missile technology, as a path toward self-sufficiency. However, despite the declaration of a public holiday by the Sanaa-based Ministry of Civil Service, reports indicate a lack of widespread public engagement in the streets, suggesting a gap between official political discourse and the daily activities of citizens.

This anniversary coincides with a period of increased military pressure and significant losses for the Houthi movement. Since mid-July, casualties among Houthi members and leaders have reportedly exceeded 413. These losses and strikes related to Red Sea maritime tensions have led to heightened security alerts in Sanaa, Saada, Hajjah, and Hudaydah. Amidst this pressure, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi is reportedly living in isolation in caves in Saada to avoid direct targeting.

## Claims

- The 21 September revolution achieved freedom and independence for the Yemeni people based on their religious identity. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The 21 September revolution aimed to restore Yemeni sovereignty and liberate political decision-making from foreign influence. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A Saudi-led military intervention began in March 2015 following the revolution. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Yemen has adopted a policy of responding to the blockade with a blockade and to escalation with escalation. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Yemeni people hold deep reverence for Islamic sanctities, including Mecca, Medina, and Al-Aqsa. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The revolution has contributed to strengthening Yemen's military and security capabilities, including missile and drone technology. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sanaa has not closed the door to peace and has previously offered concessions to end the Saudi-led aggression and blockade. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Houthi movement marks 12 years of Sanaa control amid rising military losses

Marking 12 years since seizing Sanaa, the Houthi movement faces heavy military losses and increased pressure from international strikes and regional escalations in Yemen.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/houthi-movement-marks-12-years-of-sanaa-control-amid-rising-military-losses

### 2026-09-20: Yemen marks 12th anniversary of September 21 revolution

On the 12th anniversary of the September 21 revolution, Houthi leaders in Yemen celebrated the movement's role in reclaiming national sovereignty and developing domestic military technology.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mahdi-al-mashat-marks-12th-anniversary-of-september-21-revolution-1

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Cite as: Houthi movement control and conflict in Yemen. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/houthi-movement-control-and-conflict-in-yemen