As 2024 approaches, Yemen finds itself entangled in the chilling grip of a humanitarian crisis that has persisted for an agonizing decade. The Yemen Civil War, which erupted in September 2014, has evolved into one of the deadliest conflicts, leaving in its wake a trail of death, displacement, and suffering. While the intensity of the war has somewhat diminished in the past year, the scars of displacement and the grim death toll, nearing 400,000 as of 2022, continue to cast a dark shadow over Yemen.
Table of Contents
2014-2015: The Spark of Rebellion
The conflict ignited with rising tensions over fuel prices and political unrest. The Houthi rebels, led by Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, revolted against the government, eventually seizing control of Sanaa. The resignation of the Prime Minister and President paved the way for Houthi dominance, leading to the establishment of a militant ruling council.
Airport Attacks and Sanaa Mosque Bombings
March 2015 witnessed a turning point with clashes between Hadi loyalists and opposition forces. The bombing of mosques in Sanaa claimed 137 lives, further intensifying hostilities. The Houthis mobilized, triggering a southward advance, prompting regional intervention and escalating tensions between Iran and the coalition.
2016-2017: Political Shifts and Betrayal
In 2016, the Houthis and former President Saleh formed a political council governing Northern Yemen. However, Saleh’s betrayal in 2017 led to internal conflict, culminating in Saleh’s death at the hands of the Houthis.
2018: Hodeidah Offensive and Fragile Ceasefire
Coalition forces targeted Hodeidah, facing Houthi resistance. The ensuing ceasefire brought a temporary de-escalation, offering a respite from the relentless violence.
2019-2022: Shifting Alliances and Ongoing Conflict
A Saudi-brokered deal incorporated the Southern Transitional Council, leading to political reshuffling. The following years witnessed intermittent clashes, a Saudi exit, and the Houthis launching offensives. Mediation attempts and temporary truces marked this period.
2023: Renewed Diplomacy, Regional Escalation In Yemen
Diplomatic efforts to end the war commenced in March 2023, with Saudi Arabia and Iran resuming relations. However, the Houthis declared war on Israel, causing a significant escalation along the Red Sea. Missile and drone attacks on oil tankers disrupted maritime trade routes, compounding the multifaceted crisis in Yemen.
Future looks bleak
In the latest escalation of hostilities, explosions were reported, and missiles were sighted near a vessel transiting the Red Sea, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident, centered around the port of Hodeida on Yemen’s west coast, raised alarms, but the ship and its crew were confirmed to be safe.
This marked the third such event on Tuesday, following earlier explosions near another vessel off Hodeida, as reported by British maritime authorities. The ship continued its voyage without significant damage or injuries reported.
While no immediate claim was made for these attacks, Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels have been active in launching drone and missile strikes on commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea. They assert that these actions are in solidarity with Gaza, where Israel is engaged in conflict with Hamas militants.
Our View
As Yemen approaches a harrowing milestone, the decade-long civil war leaves behind a nation bruised, battered, and burnt. The humanitarian toll, political complexities, and regional entanglements continue to shape Yemen’s tragic narrative. United Nations grapples with the challenge of bringing lasting peace to a nation that has endured relentless suffering for far too long.