AQAP
Despite occasional Saudi claims of fighting terrorism, AQAP has actually gained territory while the coalition and pro-Hadi forces have concentrated on the Houthis
Pro-Hadi forces
Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi was elected unopposed in 2012 to aid transition from the violent end of Saleh’s regime but he failed to strengthen the failing state, which the Houthis and al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) exploited
Houthis
The rebels belong to the Zaydi sect of Shia Islam, long excluded by Sana’a elites. The extent of Iran’s backing is disputed, but they do have the support of forces loyal to former president Saleh
AQAP
Despite occasional Saudi claims of fighting terrorism, AQAP has actually gained territory while the coalition and pro-Hadi forces have concentrated on the Houthis
Pro-Hadi forces
Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi was elected unopposed in 2012 to aid transition from the violent end of Saleh’s regime but he failed to strengthen the failing state, which the Houthis and al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) exploited
Houthis
The rebels belong to the Zaydi sect of Shia Islam, long excluded by Sana’a elites. The extent of Iran’s backing is disputed, but they do have the support of forces loyal to former president Saleh