All language subtitles for The Fight For Yemen PBS Frontline 2015 720p HDTV x264-W4F EN Sub_Subtitles01.ENG

>> NARRATOR: Tonight on
Frontline: In Yemen, rival
militants are fighting for

Frontline: In Yemen, rival
militants are fighting for
control of the country--

militants are fighting for
control of the country--
Al Qaeda in the Arabian

control of the country--
Al Qaeda in the Arabian
Peninsula, and now the

Al Qaeda in the Arabian
Peninsula, and now the
Houthis, with their hostile

Peninsula, and now the
Houthis, with their hostile
message to America and its

Houthis, with their hostile
message to America and its
allies:

>> NARRATOR: Journalist Safa Al
Ahmad spent months reporting
from the middle of the conflict.

>> NARRATOR: She negotiated rare
access to the Houthi rebels as
they advanced.

>> NARRATOR: And she traveled
into the heartland of Al Qaeda
to meet the Houthis' bitter

into the heartland of Al Qaeda
to meet the Houthis' bitter
rivals.

>> NARRATOR: From inside Yemen,
the story of how the
Houthi rebels ignited a battle

the story of how the
Houthi rebels ignited a battle
that has turned an American ally

Houthi rebels ignited a battle
that has turned an American ally
into a warzone of

that has turned an American ally
into a warzone of
anti-american militants.

>> NARRATOR: With a Saudi
led coalition trying to break
the Houthis hold...

led coalition trying to break
the Houthis hold...
(explosion)

the Houthis hold...
(explosion)
Frontline investigates "The

(explosion)
Frontline investigates "The
Fight for Yemen."

>> AL AHMAD: I came to Yemen to
try and understand what is

try and understand what is
driving the groups now fighting

driving the groups now fighting
for control of the country.

(gunshots)
In particular, I wanted to meet
the Houthi rebels.

The Houthis had mobilized
thousands of fighters, and by
last fall they had begun pushing

thousands of fighters, and by
last fall they had begun pushing
south from their northern

last fall they had begun pushing
south from their northern
stronghold close to the Saudi

south from their northern
stronghold close to the Saudi
border.

stronghold close to the Saudi
border.
Yemen's government was weak, its

border.
Yemen's government was weak, its
army fractured.

Yemen's government was weak, its
army fractured.
The Houthis saw an opportunity.

army fractured.
The Houthis saw an opportunity.
When I first arrived several

The Houthis saw an opportunity.
When I first arrived several
months ago, the Houthis had

When I first arrived several
months ago, the Houthis had
already pushed into the capital,

months ago, the Houthis had
already pushed into the capital,
Sana'a.

already pushed into the capital,
Sana'a.
The Houthis are mostly Zaidi

Sana'a.
The Houthis are mostly Zaidi
Muslims, from the Shia branch of

The Houthis are mostly Zaidi
Muslims, from the Shia branch of
Islam.

Muslims, from the Shia branch of
Islam.
Their slogan is now seen

Islam.
Their slogan is now seen
everywhere.

Their slogan is now seen
everywhere.
It's a political chant from the

everywhere.
It's a political chant from the
days of Ayatollah Khomeini and

It's a political chant from the
days of Ayatollah Khomeini and
the Iranian revolution.

days of Ayatollah Khomeini and
the Iranian revolution.
It reads: "God is great, death

the Iranian revolution.
It reads: "God is great, death
to America, death to Israel,

It reads: "God is great, death
to America, death to Israel,
God curse the Jews, victory to

to America, death to Israel,
God curse the Jews, victory to
Islam."

I stayed with the family of my

close friend Radiya, a human

rights activist.

Her father, Dr. Mohmed al
Mutawakel, is a prominent,
independent local politician.

I ask Radiya to take me on a
drive around Sana'a, to show me
how the city has changed since

drive around Sana'a, to show me
how the city has changed since
the Houthi takeover.

(giggles)

>> AL AHMAD: The Houthis had set
up checkpoints all over the
city, but at the time they had

up checkpoints all over the
city, but at the time they had
left the Yemeni government

city, but at the time they had
left the Yemeni government
bureaucracy functioning.

left the Yemeni government
bureaucracy functioning.
Their control was still

bureaucracy functioning.
Their control was still
tentative.

Abdulillah is a member of the
so-called Revolutionary
Committee, which the Houthis

so-called Revolutionary
Committee, which the Houthis
have established to impose their

Committee, which the Houthis
have established to impose their
control on the government.

have established to impose their
control on the government.
They are a secretive movement.

control on the government.
They are a secretive movement.
They won't even tell me how many

They are a secretive movement.
They won't even tell me how many
of them are in the city.

They won't even tell me how many
of them are in the city.
After weeks of negotiations,

of them are in the city.
After weeks of negotiations,
they finally let me follow them

After weeks of negotiations,
they finally let me follow them
in action.

>> AL AHMAD: This is an
unannounced visit to the
Ministry of Finance.

unannounced visit to the
Ministry of Finance.
The Houthis had put their own

Ministry of Finance.
The Houthis had put their own
guards inside the ministries.

>> AL AHMAD: Abdu Rabu Al Mortha
is also a member of the
Revolutionary Committee.

is also a member of the
Revolutionary Committee.
Together with Abdulillah, they

Revolutionary Committee.
Together with Abdulillah, they
had come to confront the deputy

Together with Abdulillah, they
had come to confront the deputy
minister about billions of

had come to confront the deputy
minister about billions of
Yemeni riyals of government

minister about billions of
Yemeni riyals of government
funds they said were missing.

Yemeni riyals of government
funds they said were missing.
They walk right into the office

funds they said were missing.
They walk right into the office
of Deputy Minister Jamal Al

They walk right into the office
of Deputy Minister Jamal Al
Maliki.

>> AL AHMAD: The Revolutionary
Committee refused to leave until
the deputy minister signed a

Committee refused to leave until
the deputy minister signed a
document ordering an

the deputy minister signed a
document ordering an
investigation into the missing

document ordering an
investigation into the missing
funds.

The Houthi anti-corruption
agenda helped them gain
popular support, but their grab

agenda helped them gain
popular support, but their grab
for power has also made them

popular support, but their grab
for power has also made them
enemies.

for power has also made them
enemies.
They have largely driven out the

enemies.
They have largely driven out the
previously dominant Muslim

They have largely driven out the
previously dominant Muslim
Brotherhood forces.

previously dominant Muslim
Brotherhood forces.
But they also face fierce

Brotherhood forces.
But they also face fierce
opposition from Al Qaeda, which

But they also face fierce
opposition from Al Qaeda, which
for years has been maintaining a

opposition from Al Qaeda, which
for years has been maintaining a
stronghold in Yemen.

(explosion)
(shouting)

Three weeks after they took
control, a huge bomb devastated
a Houthi rally.

control, a huge bomb devastated
a Houthi rally.
The bombing in Tahrir Square was

a Houthi rally.
The bombing in Tahrir Square was
the bloodiest in Sana'a for

The bombing in Tahrir Square was
the bloodiest in Sana'a for
years, killing more than 60

the bloodiest in Sana'a for
years, killing more than 60
people.

I arrived on the scene soon
after the attack.
It was only my first week in

after the attack.
It was only my first week in
Yemen.

>> AL AHMAD: Al Qaeda are
fiercely opposed to the Houthis.
Their Sunni extremist beliefs

fiercely opposed to the Houthis.
Their Sunni extremist beliefs
mean they consider the Houthis

Their Sunni extremist beliefs
mean they consider the Houthis
heretics.

mean they consider the Houthis
heretics.
Al Qaeda claimed responsibility

heretics.
Al Qaeda claimed responsibility
for the bombing.

Al Qaeda claimed responsibility
for the bombing.
The Houthi leadership quickly

for the bombing.
The Houthi leadership quickly
arranged a large state funeral

The Houthi leadership quickly
arranged a large state funeral
for the victims and even bigger

arranged a large state funeral
for the victims and even bigger
rallies in the following days.

I want to understand how this

mountain militia managed to

seize the capital of Yemen.

So I travel north, to the
mountains of Sa'dah and the
birthplace of the Houthis.

(explosion)
They are a movement born of war.
The Yemeni government, fearing

They are a movement born of war.
The Yemeni government, fearing
the spread of their ideology,

The Yemeni government, fearing
the spread of their ideology,
launched six wars against the

the spread of their ideology,
launched six wars against the
Houthis in the last decade.

launched six wars against the
Houthis in the last decade.
Their leader and namesake was a

Houthis in the last decade.
Their leader and namesake was a
Zaidi, Hussein al Houthi.

Their leader and namesake was a
Zaidi, Hussein al Houthi.
The Zaidis ruled North Yemen

Zaidi, Hussein al Houthi.
The Zaidis ruled North Yemen
for more than a thousand years

The Zaidis ruled North Yemen
for more than a thousand years
and make up roughly a quarter of

for more than a thousand years
and make up roughly a quarter of
Yemen's population.

and make up roughly a quarter of
Yemen's population.
At the heart of the Zaidi faith

Yemen's population.
At the heart of the Zaidi faith
is the principle of rebellion

At the heart of the Zaidi faith
is the principle of rebellion
against unjust rulers.

is the principle of rebellion
against unjust rulers.
Following the attacks on the

against unjust rulers.
Following the attacks on the
Twin Towers in September 2001,

Following the attacks on the
Twin Towers in September 2001,
and the invasion of Iraq,

Twin Towers in September 2001,
and the invasion of Iraq,
Hussein al-Houthi developed a

and the invasion of Iraq,
Hussein al-Houthi developed a
radical theory that combined

Hussein al-Houthi developed a
radical theory that combined
Zaidi revivalism with an

radical theory that combined
Zaidi revivalism with an
anti-imperialist, anti-U.S.

Zaidi revivalism with an
anti-imperialist, anti-U.S.
agenda.

Dhayf Allah Al-Shami, a senior
Houthi, was my guide in Sa'dah.

>> AL AHMAD: Hussein aHouthi
believed 9/11 was an American
and Zionist conspiracy to occupy

believed 9/11 was an American
and Zionist conspiracy to occupy
Muslim lands.

>> AL AHMAD: In 2004, Hussein
al-Houthi and his men came
under heavy attack by the Yemeni

al-Houthi and his men came
under heavy attack by the Yemeni
army.

under heavy attack by the Yemeni
army.
They hid in a cave in the

army.
They hid in a cave in the
mountains of Sa'dah.

They hid in a cave in the
mountains of Sa'dah.
It's now become a shrine for his

mountains of Sa'dah.
It's now become a shrine for his
followers.

>> AL AHMAD: According to the
Houthis, the Yemeni Army poured
petrol into the cave, then set

Houthis, the Yemeni Army poured
petrol into the cave, then set
it on fire.

petrol into the cave, then set
it on fire.
Many of al-Houthi's family were

it on fire.
Many of al-Houthi's family were
killed.

>> AL AHMAD: Hussein al-Houthi
was allegedly captured by the
army and later killed.

was allegedly captured by the
army and later killed.
He became a martyr whose ideas

army and later killed.
He became a martyr whose ideas
still resonate today with his

He became a martyr whose ideas
still resonate today with his
followers.

still resonate today with his
followers.
They compare his death to the

followers.
They compare his death to the
martyrdom of one of the founders

They compare his death to the
martyrdom of one of the founders
of Shia Islam, also called

martyrdom of one of the founders
of Shia Islam, also called
Hussein.

(explosions)
>> AL AHMAD: By 2009, concerned
about the Houthis on their

>> AL AHMAD: By 2009, concerned
about the Houthis on their
border, Saudi Arabia joined the

about the Houthis on their
border, Saudi Arabia joined the
Yemeni army's attack on Sa'dah.

>> AL AHMAD: The old city of
Sa'dah still bears the scars of
the sixth and last war.

(children chanting)

>> AL AHMAD: The government
maintained an almost complete
media blackout during their

maintained an almost complete
media blackout during their
wars.

media blackout during their
wars.
Until recently, very few in the

wars.
Until recently, very few in the
west had ever heard of the

Until recently, very few in the
west had ever heard of the
Houthis.

west had ever heard of the
Houthis.
The effects on the people of

Houthis.
The effects on the people of
Sa'dah have been devastating.

The effects on the people of
Sa'dah have been devastating.
Um Zayd was one of the few women

Sa'dah have been devastating.
Um Zayd was one of the few women
who stayed during the conflict.

>> AL AHMAD: Um Zayd's backyard
became a cemetery after
shelling killed three children.

>> AL AHMAD: These wars helped

turned a small group of Houthi

ideologues into a fully fledged

rebel movement.

Dhayf Allah offers to take me to
the Saudi border.
The Houthis had just taken over

the Saudi border.
The Houthis had just taken over
the Yemeni government

The Houthis had just taken over
the Yemeni government
checkpoints.

the Yemeni government
checkpoints.
After years of sporadic fighting

checkpoints.
After years of sporadic fighting
between the Houthis and Saudi

After years of sporadic fighting
between the Houthis and Saudi
forces, this part of the border

between the Houthis and Saudi
forces, this part of the border
is now no man's land.

>> AL AHMAD: We met a local man
who lived on the Yemeni side of
the border.

who lived on the Yemeni side of
the border.
On the Saudi side, we could see

the border.
On the Saudi side, we could see
a deserted village, emptied by

On the Saudi side, we could see
a deserted village, emptied by
the Saudi authorities during the

a deserted village, emptied by
the Saudi authorities during the
2009 war against the Houthis.

>> AL AHMAD: The Saudis
attempted to establish a border.
But the villagers have found a

attempted to establish a border.
But the villagers have found a
way around it.

>> AL AHMAD: It is dangerous
for Yemenis to attempt to cross
the border.

for Yemenis to attempt to cross
the border.
The Saudis are on guard.

>> AL AHMAD: As part of their
push for power, the Houthis hope
to seize territory across the

push for power, the Houthis hope
to seize territory across the
Saudi border, claiming land they

to seize territory across the
Saudi border, claiming land they
say is rightfully Yemen's.

>> AL AHMAD: For the moment, the
Saudi border may be the limit
of Houthi control.

Saudi border may be the limit
of Houthi control.
But their ambitions go way

of Houthi control.
But their ambitions go way
beyond it.

>> AL AHMAD: The Saudis see them
as a potent threat and accuse
the Houthis of collusion with

as a potent threat and accuse
the Houthis of collusion with
their regional archrival, Iran.

the Houthis of collusion with
their regional archrival, Iran.
It has been widely reported that

their regional archrival, Iran.
It has been widely reported that
Iran gives the group weapons,

It has been widely reported that
Iran gives the group weapons,
money, and training.

>> AL AHMAD: But the struggle
against the Houthis inside Yemen
is fierce.

against the Houthis inside Yemen
is fierce.
For years, powerful Yemeni

is fierce.
For years, powerful Yemeni
tribes received money from Saudi

For years, powerful Yemeni
tribes received money from Saudi
Arabia.

tribes received money from Saudi
Arabia.
Now the Saudis back the Sunni

Arabia.
Now the Saudis back the Sunni
tribes opposed to the Houthis

Now the Saudis back the Sunni
tribes opposed to the Houthis
with cash and arms.

tribes opposed to the Houthis
with cash and arms.
And then there is Al Qaeda.

I first saw Al Qaeda's grip on
Yemen three years ago, while
filming for Frontline.

Yemen three years ago, while
filming for Frontline.
I went to Ja'ar, a town Al

filming for Frontline.
I went to Ja'ar, a town Al
Qaeda had taken control of in

I went to Ja'ar, a town Al
Qaeda had taken control of in
2011 with little resistance

Qaeda had taken control of in
2011 with little resistance
from the army.

2011 with little resistance
from the army.
The Yemeni government had been

from the army.
The Yemeni government had been
receiving arms, training, and

The Yemeni government had been
receiving arms, training, and
intelligence from the United

receiving arms, training, and
intelligence from the United
States to help fight Al Qaeda

intelligence from the United
States to help fight Al Qaeda
growing in Yemen.

States to help fight Al Qaeda
growing in Yemen.
Ja'ar is in the south, not far

growing in Yemen.
Ja'ar is in the south, not far
from the Gulf of Aden.

Ja'ar is in the south, not far
from the Gulf of Aden.
As we reached the edge of town,

from the Gulf of Aden.
As we reached the edge of town,
the flag of Al Qaeda, a clear

As we reached the edge of town,
the flag of Al Qaeda, a clear
sign I had entered their

the flag of Al Qaeda, a clear
sign I had entered their
territory.

>> AL AHMAD: Our contact was a
fighter and political officer
who called himself Fouad.

fighter and political officer
who called himself Fouad.
He was a member of Ansar al

who called himself Fouad.
He was a member of Ansar al
Sharia, the local affiliate of

He was a member of Ansar al
Sharia, the local affiliate of
Al Qaeda.

The United States considers this
branch of Al Qaeda among the

branch of Al Qaeda among the
most dangerous in the world.

It has been behind plots to
attack the United States.

Fouad said U.S. drones and the
Yemeni air force often attack
them.

>> AL AHMAD: He agreed to take
us on a tour of Ja'ar.
He wanted to show us how Al

us on a tour of Ja'ar.
He wanted to show us how Al
Qaeda effectively governed an

He wanted to show us how Al
Qaeda effectively governed an
entire city.

Qaeda effectively governed an
entire city.
Back then, three years ago,

entire city.
Back then, three years ago,
attacks from American and Yemeni

Back then, three years ago,
attacks from American and Yemeni
forces made the locals fear for

attacks from American and Yemeni
forces made the locals fear for
their lives.

>> AL AHMAD: Surprisingly, we
found Al Qaeda allowed national
newspape to be sold.

This headline said a government
air strike had killed many local
fighters.

>> AL AHMAD: To show their
strength, Al Qaeda summoned

strength, Al Qaeda summoned
locals to the town theater,

locals to the town theater,
where they were shown this video

where they were shown this video
of Al Qaeda fighters attacking a

of Al Qaeda fighters attacking a
major army base close to Ja'ar.

(gunfire)

(shouting)
Almost 200 Yemeni soldiers were
reportedly killed.

Almost 200 Yemeni soldiers were
reportedly killed.
Dozens were taken prisoner and

reportedly killed.
Dozens were taken prisoner and
believed to be held near Ja'ar.

Dozens were taken prisoner and
believed to be held near Ja'ar.
The regional Al Qaeda commander

believed to be held near Ja'ar.
The regional Al Qaeda commander
at the time, Jalal al Marqashi,

The regional Al Qaeda commander
at the time, Jalal al Marqashi,
was filmed visiting the

at the time, Jalal al Marqashi,
was filmed visiting the
prisoners.

>> AL AHMAD: We were taken to
see some of those prisoners.

They were being held in a series
of small rooms.
While the camera was rolling,

of small rooms.
While the camera was rolling,
they pleaded for the government

While the camera was rolling,
they pleaded for the government
to agree to demands for a

they pleaded for the government
to agree to demands for a
prisoner exchange.

>> AL AHMAD: Back then, Al
Qaeda's target was the whole
Yemeni army because they were

Qaeda's target was the whole
Yemeni army because they were
seen as agents of the United

Yemeni army because they were
seen as agents of the United
States.

>> AL AHMAD: By the time we got
back to Ja'ar, it was evening.
Families were on the street.

back to Ja'ar, it was evening.
Families were on the street.
Stores were open, but most of

Families were on the street.
Stores were open, but most of
the shopkeepers weren't inside.

Stores were open, but most of
the shopkeepers weren't inside.
Al Qaeda has its own way of

the shopkeepers weren't inside.
Al Qaeda has its own way of
policing.

Al Qaeda has its own way of
policing.
We were told three thieves

policing.
We were told three thieves
recently had their hands cut off

We were told three thieves
recently had their hands cut off
by Al Qaeda.

(loud chanting)

It was time for evening prayers.
Everyone had to go to the mosque
and pray.

Everyone had to go to the mosque
and pray.
We asked what would happen if

and pray.
We asked what would happen if
they didn't attend.

We asked what would happen if
they didn't attend.
We were told they would be

they didn't attend.
We were told they would be
locked up.

We were told they would be
locked up.
As night approached, we decided

locked up.
As night approached, we decided
it was too dangerous to stay.

As night approached, we decided
it was too dangerous to stay.
Just the day before we arrived,

it was too dangerous to stay.
Just the day before we arrived,
a U.S. drone struck the town.

Just the day before we arrived,
a U.S. drone struck the town.
Drone missions have been a key

a U.S. drone struck the town.
Drone missions have been a key
part of American

Drone missions have been a key
part of American
counterterrorism policy in

part of American
counterterrorism policy in
Yemen, including the attack

counterterrorism policy in
Yemen, including the attack
which killed American-born

Yemen, including the attack
which killed American-born
cleric Anwar al-Awlaki in the

which killed American-born
cleric Anwar al-Awlaki in the
2011.

Three years after that trip I
was back, traveling once again
into Al Qaeda territory-- into

was back, traveling once again
into Al Qaeda territory-- into
Al Bayda province.

into Al Qaeda territory-- into
Al Bayda province.
But this time the Houthi rebels

Al Bayda province.
But this time the Houthi rebels
had managed to extend their

But this time the Houthi rebels
had managed to extend their
control into Al Qaeda heartland.

had managed to extend their
control into Al Qaeda heartland.
I'm on one of the most

control into Al Qaeda heartland.
I'm on one of the most
dangerous roads in Yemen,

I'm on one of the most
dangerous roads in Yemen,
notorious for bandits and

dangerous roads in Yemen,
notorious for bandits and
thieves.

notorious for bandits and
thieves.
Only a few months ago, it would

thieves.
Only a few months ago, it would
have been impossible for me

Only a few months ago, it would
have been impossible for me
to get here.

>> AL AHMAD: Now there are
regular Houthi checkpoints.
An armed escort took us to

regular Houthi checkpoints.
An armed escort took us to
Rada'.

An armed escort took us to
Rada'.
This is the Houthi front line

Rada'.
This is the Houthi front line
against Al Qaeda.

This is the Houthi front line
against Al Qaeda.
Three weeks before we arrived,

against Al Qaeda.
Three weeks before we arrived,
they had fought an intense

Three weeks before we arrived,
they had fought an intense
battle to take the city.

Walid, a Houthi fighter, shows
us around.

>> AL AHMAD: Al Qaeda ruled this
city for four years with hardly
any reaction from the weak

city for four years with hardly
any reaction from the weak
Yemeni government.

any reaction from the weak
Yemeni government.
This mosque was one of their

Yemeni government.
This mosque was one of their
headquarters.

This mosque was one of their
headquarters.
Tariq al Thahab, a powerful

headquarters.
Tariq al Thahab, a powerful
tribal leader, brought Al Qaeda

Tariq al Thahab, a powerful
tribal leader, brought Al Qaeda
into the region and tried to

tribal leader, brought Al Qaeda
into the region and tried to
declare it an Islamic emirate.

>> AL AHMAD: The Al Amriya
mosque was built in the 16th
century as a center for Islamic

mosque was built in the 16th
century as a center for Islamic
learning and religious study.

century as a center for Islamic
learning and religious study.
Here, and throughout Yemen,

learning and religious study.
Here, and throughout Yemen,
there was no tradition of

Here, and throughout Yemen,
there was no tradition of
sectarian hatred.

there was no tradition of
sectarian hatred.
But according to Walid, Al

sectarian hatred.
But according to Walid, Al
Qaeda preached a creed of

But according to Walid, Al
Qaeda preached a creed of
division.

>> AL AHMAD: Walid has also
accused Al Qaeda of breaking
tribal traditions and targeting

accused Al Qaeda of breaking
tribal traditions and targeting
civilians.

>> AL AHMAD: Walid wanted me to
meet orphans whose families he
says were killed by Al Qaeda.

>> AL AHMAD: Despite the Houthi
presence, the city was still
vulnerable.

Several weeks before, a suicide

bomber from Al Qaeda managed to

reach the outskirts of Rada'.

The Houthis say a young child
was put in the front seat to
try to sneak the bomb past a

was put in the front seat to
try to sneak the bomb past a
checkpoint.

>> AL AHMAD: Many of the locals
I talked to were afraid of a
Houthi retreat, fearing that Al

I talked to were afraid of a
Houthi retreat, fearing that Al
Qaeda would seek revenge on the

Houthi retreat, fearing that Al
Qaeda would seek revenge on the
town.

Qaeda would seek revenge on the
town.
But the Houthis seem determined

town.
But the Houthis seem determined
to stay.

>> AL AHMAD: Walid wanted to
prove to me that Al Qaeda will
not be allowed to return.

>> AL AHMAD: After months of
following the Houthis, I wanted
to meet those who oppose them

following the Houthis, I wanted
to meet those who oppose them
and hear what they have to say.

Kidnapping is a high risk in
these areas, but after careful
negotiations with the tribal

these areas, but after careful
negotiations with the tribal
leaders, my camera crew was

negotiations with the tribal
leaders, my camera crew was
allowed to cross to the other

leaders, my camera crew was
allowed to cross to the other
side of the front line without

allowed to cross to the other
side of the front line without
me.

side of the front line without
me.
In the mountains beyond Rada'

me.
In the mountains beyond Rada'
are the Sunni militias fighting

In the mountains beyond Rada'
are the Sunni militias fighting
the Houthis.

are the Sunni militias fighting
the Houthis.
As the team arrived, an

the Houthis.
As the team arrived, an
argument broke out over whether

As the team arrived, an
argument broke out over whether
they would be allowed to film.

>> AL AHMAD: Many of the Sunni
tribes in Al Bayda province are
allied to Al Qaeda, but not

tribes in Al Bayda province are
allied to Al Qaeda, but not
all.

allied to Al Qaeda, but not
all.
However, they are united in

all.
However, they are united in
their fight against the Houthis.

>> AL AHMAD: Abdullah Al Khubzi
was a commander under the Al
Qaeda leader Tariq al Thahab.

was a commander under the Al
Qaeda leader Tariq al Thahab.
Now he leads several hundred

Qaeda leader Tariq al Thahab.
Now he leads several hundred
men against the Houthis.

>> AL AHMAD: Opposition to the
Houthi advance is spreading
across the southern Bayda

Houthi advance is spreading
across the southern Bayda
province.

The fractious Sunni tribes from

the region have come together.

Thousands of fighters have

joined this new alliance.

The head of that alliance,

Ziyad Al Majdali, says he is

not Al Qaeda but he is

unequivocal that he has a

religious duty to fight the

Houthis.

>> AL AHMAD: But in other parts
of Bayda province, some people
feel Al Qaeda has not gone far

of Bayda province, some people
feel Al Qaeda has not gone far
enough.

feel Al Qaeda has not gone far
enough.
Ahmad Khamis, a prominent local

enough.
Ahmad Khamis, a prominent local
jihadi, says he respects the

Ahmad Khamis, a prominent local
jihadi, says he respects the
ISIS leader, Abu Bakr Al

jihadi, says he respects the
ISIS leader, Abu Bakr Al
Baghdadi.

>> AL AHMAD: Back in Sana'a,
the capital, just a few weeks
after the Houthi takeover, the

the capital, just a few weeks
after the Houthi takeover, the
mood has changed.

after the Houthi takeover, the
mood has changed.
Their slogans are crossed out

mood has changed.
Their slogans are crossed out
everywhere.

Their slogans are crossed out
everywhere.
There were rumors the Houthis

everywhere.
There were rumors the Houthis
are forming alliances with

There were rumors the Houthis
are forming alliances with
several tribes and political

are forming alliances with
several tribes and political
groups, including the powerful

several tribes and political
groups, including the powerful
ex-president, Ali Saleh, still

groups, including the powerful
ex-president, Ali Saleh, still
one of Yemen's most powerful

ex-president, Ali Saleh, still
one of Yemen's most powerful
men.

one of Yemen's most powerful
men.
They are trying to consolidate

men.
They are trying to consolidate
their control, and that

They are trying to consolidate
their control, and that
includes the media.

their control, and that
includes the media.
I join a press trip organized

includes the media.
I join a press trip organized
by the Houthis.

I join a press trip organized
by the Houthis.
They say they have uncovered an

by the Houthis.
They say they have uncovered an
Al Qaeda bomb factory in

They say they have uncovered an
Al Qaeda bomb factory in
Arhab, a village outside Sana'a.

>> AL AHMAD: It's clear that the
Houthis want to control the
message the press is putting

Houthis want to control the
message the press is putting
out.

>> AL AHMAD: The Houthi media
were also on hand to broadcast
the official version.

>> AL AHMAD: The Houthis say
they have arrested these three
men for running the bomb

they have arrested these three
men for running the bomb
factory.

>> AL AHMAD: As we leave Arhab
we pass through the village of
Yahis.

we pass through the village of
Yahis.
Two boys stop our car.

Yahis.
Two boys stop our car.
They want us to film a house

Two boys stop our car.
They want us to film a house
they say was demolished by the

They want us to film a house
they say was demolished by the
Houthis.

>> AL AHMAD: The boys weren't
sure why the Houthis had
targeted their village.

>> AL AHMAD: Meanwhile, in the

capital, there is evidence the

Houthis are taking over several

Sunni mosques and changing their

imams.

Outside a mosque in the Saba'a
neighborhood, I hear the call
to prayer.

neighborhood, I hear the call
to prayer.
It's been changed from the

to prayer.
It's been changed from the
Sunni to the Zaidi one.

Inside the mosque, gunmen were
guarding the new Houthi imam,
but he was preaching tolerance.

>> AL AHMAD: Some local
residents told me the new imam
wasn't as popular.

residents told me the new imam
wasn't as popular.
(voice on telephone)

wasn't as popular.
(voice on telephone)
Okay, yeah.

(voice on telephone)
Okay, yeah.
We went in search of the ousted

Okay, yeah.
We went in search of the ousted
Sunni imam, Nabil Iskandar.

He says the Houthis told him to
leave the mosque and his home
of 14 years.

>> AL AHMAD: I also wanted to
talk to the caretaker of the
mosque to see how he felt about

talk to the caretaker of the
mosque to see how he felt about
the change of imam.

mosque to see how he felt about
the change of imam.
But the Houthi gunmen didn't

the change of imam.
But the Houthi gunmen didn't
want us to film.

>> AL AHMAD: We tried to
interview the caretaker outside
the mosque instead.

>> AL AHMAD: But the Houthi
gunmen followed us and tried to
take our footage.

>> AL AHMAD: We were detained by
the Houthis for four hours.
They erased some of our footage.

Local human rights groups say
they are becoming more
oppressive.

they are becoming more
oppressive.
They accuse them of

oppressive.
They accuse them of
assassinating and torturing

They accuse them of
assassinating and torturing
opponents.

assassinating and torturing
opponents.
(car horns honking)

I went to look for the family
of Wathah Al Hitari, a
pharmacist who was shot and

of Wathah Al Hitari, a
pharmacist who was shot and
killed by a man with known links

pharmacist who was shot and
killed by a man with known links
to the Houthis.

I asked the people in his
neighborhood what they thought
about him.

>> AL AHMAD: Yassir is W W W Was
cousin.
one of the first to hear

cousin.
one of the first to hear
of his death.

>> AL AHMAD: The Houthis have
denied responsibility for the
murder of Wathah, but they have

denied responsibility for the
murder of Wathah, but they have
offered his family what they

murder of Wathah, but they have
offered his family what they
consider blood money in

offered his family what they
consider blood money in
compensation.

>> AL AHMAD: Wathah's mother
refused to accept the money.

>> AL AHMAD: Then I receive some
terrible news.
There's been another

terrible news.
There's been another
assassination in Sana'a, but

There's been another
assassination in Sana'a, but
this one is different.

(chanting in background)

Dr. Mutawakel was on good terms
with most political groups but
Al Qaeda are suspected of

with most political groups but
Al Qaeda are suspected of
killing him.

Al Qaeda are suspected of
killing him.
No one has claimed

killing him.
No one has claimed
responsibility.

(singing)

I had wanted to film with him at
the end my visit, to help make
sense of the events I've seen

the end my visit, to help make
sense of the events I've seen
unraveling Yemen.

sense of the events I've seen
unraveling Yemen.
But instead I am filming his

unraveling Yemen.
But instead I am filming his
funeral.

I asked his daughter Radiya how
she felt about her father's
death.

>> AL AHMAD: I had watched
divisions grow in Yemen.
Before leaving, I wanted to see

divisions grow in Yemen.
Before leaving, I wanted to see
the few areas left outside

Before leaving, I wanted to see
the few areas left outside
Houthi control.

the few areas left outside
Houthi control.
So I headed south.

I arrive in the largest city in
the south, Aden.
For years, there has been a

the south, Aden.
For years, there has been a
popular movement calling for

For years, there has been a
popular movement calling for
separation from the north,

popular movement calling for
separation from the north,
which the government has tried

separation from the north,
which the government has tried
to crush.

There is strong anti-Houthi
sentiment everywhere.

Abdulrahman Wajeeh Al Deen
is in a dangerous situation.
He is one of the few Houthi

is in a dangerous situation.
He is one of the few Houthi
journalists operating in the

He is one of the few Houthi
journalists operating in the
south.

journalists operating in the
south.
His life is at risk from

south.
His life is at risk from
opponents of the Houthis and

His life is at risk from
opponents of the Houthis and
Al Qaeda.

>> AL AHMAD: He reveals to me
that for months the Houthis have
been infiltrating the south.

(voice on megaphone, shouting)

>> AL AHMAD: An enormous rally
in support of the secession is

in support of the secession is
taking place.

>> AL AHMAD: I have never seen
so much anger here.

The rally turns into a march.
Abdulrahman and I follow the
crowds as they spill out

Abdulrahman and I follow the
crowds as they spill out
through the city.

crowds as they spill out
through the city.
It seems clear to me that

through the city.
It seems clear to me that
across Yemen the political

It seems clear to me that
across Yemen the political
system is collapsing.

>> AL AHMAD: As the sun sets
over the streets of Aden, we
hear the sound of gunfire.

over the streets of Aden, we
hear the sound of gunfire.
Government forces are shooting

hear the sound of gunfire.
Government forces are shooting
at the protesters.

(explosion)

>> AL AHMAD: I had come to Yemen
to understand the rise of the
Houthis.

to understand the rise of the
Houthis.
Since my journey, they have

Houthis.
Since my journey, they have
gone on to seize control of

Since my journey, they have
gone on to seize control of
most of Yemen's major cities.

gone on to seize control of
most of Yemen's major cities.
They reached Aden, where the

most of Yemen's major cities.
They reached Aden, where the
president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur

They reached Aden, where the
president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur
Hadi, had taken refugee.

president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur
Hadi, had taken refugee.
He later fled to Saudi Arabia.

Hadi, had taken refugee.
He later fled to Saudi Arabia.
A Saudi-led coalition has

He later fled to Saudi Arabia.
A Saudi-led coalition has
conducted air strikes against

A Saudi-led coalition has
conducted air strikes against
Yemen, targeting the Houthis.

conducted air strikes against
Yemen, targeting the Houthis.
And Al Qaeda and ISIS are

Yemen, targeting the Houthis.
And Al Qaeda and ISIS are
getting stronger.

And Al Qaeda and ISIS are
getting stronger.
The country is being torn

getting stronger.
The country is being torn
apart.

The country is being torn
apart.
This conflict will not just

apart.
This conflict will not just
bring violence and misery to

This conflict will not just
bring violence and misery to
Yemen, it is a threat to U.S.

bring violence and misery to
Yemen, it is a threat to U.S.
and Western security and to the

Yemen, it is a threat to U.S.
and Western security and to the
stability of the whole region.

>> Go to pbs.org/frontline for
more from Safa Al Ahmad on the

more from Safa Al Ahmad on the
rise of the Houthis.

rise of the Houthis.
>> One of the most difficult

>> One of the most difficult
things about covering the

things about covering the
Houthis is that it is a very

Houthis is that it is a very
young movement and very

young movement and very
versatile.

versatile.
So, for example, when they went

So, for example, when they went
to Sana'a they made alliances

to Sana'a they made alliances
with the socialists, with the

with the socialists, with the
Ba'athists, with the Salafis,

Ba'athists, with the Salafis,
with the Muslim Brotherhood.

with the Muslim Brotherhood.
I mean, they are really very

I mean, they are really very
tactical.

tactical.
And what they want is

And what they want is
ultimately power.

ultimately power.
They don't want to be

They don't want to be
marginalized anymore.

marginalized anymore.
>> And an interview with former

>> And an interview with former
counterterrorism agent Ali

counterterrorism agent Ali
Soufan on what it means for

Soufan on what it means for
America.

America.
>> Yemen is not that far when

>> Yemen is not that far when
you think terrorism and when you

you think terrorism and when you
think threats.

think threats.
In the United States we need to

In the United States we need to
start thinking that our

start thinking that our
counterterrorism strategy

counterterrorism strategy
cannot only focus on drones, on

cannot only focus on drones, on
dealing with immediate threats,

dealing with immediate threats,
we have to focus on the

we have to focus on the
incubating factors that's

incubating factors that's
causing terrorism in the first

causing terrorism in the first
place, creating these vacuums

place, creating these vacuums
where groups like Al Qaeda or

where groups like Al Qaeda or
ISIS can operate and create

ISIS can operate and create
regional and international

regional and international
threats.

threats.
>> Follow Frontline on Facebook,

>> Follow Frontline on Facebook,
Twitter and pbs.org/frontline.

Twitter and pbs.org/frontline.
Captioned by

Captioned by
Media Access Group at WGBH
access.wgbh.org

>> Next time on Frontline...
♪ ♪

Memoy of the Camps.

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