The Yemen war has been among the most important in the Middle East in recent decades.
Today, over 10,000 people have died in the war, and 2 million civilians have had to leave their homes. Even though there have been recent cease-fires, which few people think will last, this brutal war is getting worse over time.
But how did it start and gain stream, and what is its significance?
Let’s talk about what you need to know about Yemen.
Background
The Yemen crisis began in 2015 when Houthi rebels and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh separated. The Houthis seized much of northern Yemen, including the capital.
Saudi Arabia responded by forming a regional military alliance. This alliance has bombed Yemen and imposed a naval and air embargo, causing fuel and food shortages.
Violations of Human Rights
The Yemen conflict has created a dire humanitarian situation where millions face famine, displacement, inadequate access to healthcare, and other harrowing consequences.
Many reported grave abuses, including arbitrary detention without access to legal remedy, bomb attacks on refugee camps, and sexual violence against women in custody.
Continue here to learn more about human rights and need legal advice and assistance.
Houthi Insurgency
The Houthi forces, a rebel group of Shia Muslims, are at the center of the conflict. They are fighting against the Yemeni government to take power and set up a Shiite theocracy. Iran and Hezbollah both help the Houthis by giving them weapons and ammo.
Saudi Arabia has been working with the US and European countries to stop the insurgency through military actions. It has led to airstrikes on civilians, killing many innocent people.
International Involvement
Many countries have joined the war, which has made it harder to win. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries have sent troops and supplies to help restore the government.
The US has helped the Saudi-led alliance with military and intelligence support, which has led to charges of war crimes because US bombs have killed so many civilians.
Humanitarian Crisis
It has pushed millions of citizens on the brink of hunger, disrupted education, health, and water and sanitation facilities, forced people to move, and worsened poverty.
Airstrikes have killed many people and destroyed civilian infrastructure, endangering entire towns. Millions of Yemenis have fled famine and violence. It has generated a continuing humanitarian disaster.
Peace Efforts
The UN has recommended a political transition framework to aid the peace process. An inclusive political solution relies on confidence-building measures, economic security, and peace-building activities like job training, education, and economic rehabilitation.
Despite these efforts, development is gradual. Key participants have rejected the peace talks, and resolving Yemen issues is more challenging.
Fragmentation and Regional Divisions
The Southern Transitional Council, Saudi-led soldiers, and Houthi rebels wanted to control but had different goals. It has widened the gap between supporters of the Saudi-backed forces and those of the Iranian-backed Houthis.
With each group aiming to control as much of the country as possible, Yemen is still divided and volatile.
Things You Need to Know About the Yemen War
The war in Yemen is still going on and has had terrible effects. The UN says that more than 14 million people are at risk of starvation because the country splits between different groups.
