Yemen civil war: what sparked latest escalation and who is involved?
Conflict between UN-recognised government and Iran-backed Houthis has impacts far beyond country’s borders
TL;DR
- The conflict reawakened in summer with Saudi Arabia bombing Sana'a airport, escalating to a Houthi blockade and attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
- Houthis advanced south, capturing coastal towns and islands in the Bab al-Mandab strait by mid-September.
- The success of the Houthi advance is attributed to divided Yemeni government forces and Houthi military intelligence, alongside Iranian support.
- Saudi Arabia launched Operation Yemen Dawn, a counteroffensive involving 100 jets and ground forces driving towards Bab al-Mandab.
- Yemen relies heavily on Saudi Arabia economically, with 2 million Yemenis working as migrants there and Riyadh providing grants to the Yemeni government.
- Internal divisions among Yemeni tribes, governorates, and religious beliefs lead to political rivalries and non-aligned anti-Houthi forces.
- The UAE distanced itself from Saudi methods, aligning with southern separatists and training forces like the STC and National Resistance Forces before leaving Yemen in January 2026.
- The US is reluctant to intervene due to its own commitments and depleted munitions stocks, with Donald Trump having previously struck a bilateral ceasefire with the Houthis.
- European countries provide air refuelling for Saudi jets, and reports suggest Pakistan is sending weaponry to Aden.
- Many doubt Saudi Arabia's ability to reach Sana'a, given its vulnerable energy infrastructure and the Houthis' mastery of ground combat.