Original subtitles

>> 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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