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Houthis revive Shiite festivals to strengthen grip on north

Since the Houthi seizure of Sanaa in 2014, the group has brought new sectarian pressure to Yemen's north, forcing both Shiites and Sunnis to observe Shiite customs.
MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images

Five years ago, Ahmed Fuad had no idea about Eid Al-Ghadir, a religious festival celebrated by Shiite Muslims in some countries. Now Fuad is fully aware of this occasion and enthusiastically celebrates it. On July 28, he joined thousands of people in Sanaa who gathered in squares across the Houthi-controlled provinces. Fuad joined a gathering at the Sanaa University square to mark the occasion, feeling he was performing a holy religious duty.

The Iran-allied Houthi leadership designated 34 squares where people were told to gather to celebrate Eid Al-Ghadir.

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