A clamour of journalists, cameras on shoulders, vie for the best positions atop the rubble. They have been called to the scene by the Houthis, who claim they have uncovered an Al Qa'ida bomb factory. "Film this explosive belt for children", says one, practically putting his hand on the cameraman's shoulder as he points out the deadly contraption, laid out alongside many others in a neat row on the floor. A bona fide raid or a media stunt? In their struggle to consolidate power, the Houthis are employing every tactic at their disposal.

But who are the Houthis and what do they want? Their unfamiliarity to the Western world is the result of a lack of media attention, something they still consider a gross injustice. For 7 months, the previous government laid siege to the Al-Bayda province, the mountainous region they call home, reducing their homes to rubble. Now, a twist of fate, and almost certainly help from Iran, has given them the upper hand, and they are imposing their brand of Shia Islam shot through with anti-Imperialist sentiment on the whole country. Their slogan: "God is Great, Death to America, Death to Israel, God curse the Jews, Victory to Islam."

"We don't believe in borders. Our borders are the Qur'an and the Islamic and Arab world". Another conflict in the Arab world, yet another aggressively expansionist mantra backed by strong words and serious firepower. The world is finally taking notice, but, in Yemen, the Houthis' enemies are already mobilising the machine of war. Fractured Sunni tribes have been united by their opposition to Houthi rule, and they are determined to bring it to a hasty demise. The future of Yemen, and of the whole region, hangs in the balance.

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