The Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen is waging a propaganda war against Saudi Arabia on social media, employing an unlikely weapon: Jeffrey Epstein's files. The Houthis have homed in on revelations that associates of the Saudi royal court sent tapestries from Islam's holiest site to Mr. Epstein's private island, using these claims to undermine Saudi leaders. They deploy information across multiple forms—songs, videos, speeches, statements, and influencer posts—to build support and target foes like Saudi Arabia, which backs the internationally recognized Yemeni government they fight.
The Houthis portray themselves as defenders of Islam against corrupt foreign influences, stepping up messaging efforts after Yemen's civil war reignited this summer amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The Saudis accused the Houthis of firing a drone at Mecca last month, calling it a 'disgraceful' act, which the Houthis denied.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing