An Overview of the Yemeni Civil War and Its Regional Implications
The Yemeni Civil War began in 2014 when Houthi rebels seized Sanaa amidst a backdrop of political instability following the Arab Spring. The conflict has caused severe humanitarian crises, intensified by Saudi and UAE interventions. Despite attempts at negotiations, ongoing violence has led to significant regional escalations, particularly following attacks on Israeli interests in 2023.
The Yemeni Civil War, an extensive and destructive conflict, commenced in 2014 when Houthi rebel forces seized the capital, Sanaa. The situation worsened due to the interventions of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, leading to a humanitarian crisis marked by starvation and cholera outbreaks. By 2020, the Houthis seemed to dominate the conflict, and by 2023, they expanded their reach, attacking Israeli interests in response to the Israel-Hamas War.
The origins of the conflict trace back to Ali Abdullah Saleh’s presidency, beginning in 1978. Despite unifying Yemen in the late 1980s, Saleh struggled against the rising discontent of the Zaydī Shiʿi population, culminating in the emergence of the Houthi movement in the early 2000s. His regime faced challenges from various factions, particularly following the Arab Spring protests that began in 2011.
The protests against President Saleh intensified in early 2011, mirroring uprisings elsewhere in the Arab world. With diverse opposition groups mobilizing, including the Houthis and southern secessionists, the situation escalated. On March 18, 2011, violent clashes led to significant loss of life, forcing many officials to resign in protest against Saleh’s harsh tactics.
As unrest spread, militant groups capitalized on governmental weaknesses. The Houthis gained power in the north, and al-Qaeda affiliates targeted southern cities. In 2012, Saleh agreed to a deal to transfer power to Vice President Hadi, who was later elected as president, though the underlying divisions in Yemen persisted. Economic strife and shortages exacerbated the nation’s unrest, allowing rebels to flourish.
In 2014, Hadi’s government faced renewed challenges due to austerity measures. The Houthis gained control of Sanaa, leading to Hadi’s resignation and subsequent attempts to establish a government. By February 2015, the Houthis had dissolved parliament, prompting international condemnation.
Hadi fled to Aden, seeking foreign military assistance while the Saudi-led coalition began airstrikes against the Houthis and established a naval blockade. These efforts temporarily aided pro-Hadi forces in recapturing Aden but failed to depose the Houthis from the north, where humanitarian conditions deteriorated significantly.
Despite UN-led peace talks, fighting continued unabated, further complicated by the cholera epidemic and civilian casualties due to coalition airstrikes. By late 2017, internal divisions escalated, leading to the assassination of Saleh by Houthi forces.
In 2018, the Houthis maintained control over the crucial port city of Hodeidah, vital for humanitarian supplies, which prompted peace negotiations. Yet, the situation remained precarious with intermittent violence and accusations of ceasefire violations from all sides.
The conflict witnessed further transitions, with Hadi’s administration losing credibility while the UAE began a military withdrawal. As the Houthis ramped up attacks, a short-lived ceasefire in 2022 came to an end, signaling a prolonged stalemate. Attempts for negotiations resumed in 2023, although the withdrawal of critical military support complicated matters.
In October 2023, the violence escalated dramatically following the Hamas attack on Israel. The Houthis capitalized on this, launching attacks towards Israel and maritime routes, asserting their regional influence and signaling their intentions in Yemen’s tumultuous politics. The US responded with military action against the Houthis, denouncing them as a terrorist entity, indicative of their escalating threat to regional stability and international shipping lanes.
In summary, the Yemeni Civil War reflects a complex interplay of historical grievances, regional power dynamics, and humanitarian crises. Arising from the Arab Spring, the conflict has involved multiple factions, including the Houthis, Saudi Arabia, and various local entities. As the war continues, recent provocations by the Houthis highlight their ambitions and the potential for increased regional tensions. Without a sustainable resolution, Yemen remains at the precipice of further humanitarian disasters and destabilization, emphasizing the urgent need for international diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.britannica.com
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