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Home / IAS Preparation / Yemeni Civil War

Yemeni Civil War UPSC Notes: Background, Causes, Course, Impacts & More

Last Updated on Feb 14, 2025
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The Yemeni Civil War, which began in 2015, is a multifaceted conflict involving various factions vying for control of Yemen. The primary contention is between the Houthi rebel movement and the internationally recognized government led by President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The conflict was sparked by the Houthis, who are Zaidi Shia Muslims, seizing the capital, Sanaa, and later large swathes of the country. The situation escalated with the intervention of a Saudi Arabia-led coalition supporting Hadi's government, fearing Iranian influence via the Houthis. This intervention brought widespread bombing campaigns and a blockade. This led to severe humanitarian crises, including famine, cholera outbreaks, and widespread displacement. Many regional and international actors, including Iran’s alleged support for the Houthis and the involvement of the United States and Western countries in supporting the Saudi coalition, have complicated and prolonged the conflict. 

This article on the Yemeni Civil War UPSC provides an in-depth overview of the Yemeni Civil War, particularly relevant for those preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

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About the Yemeni Civil War

The Yemeni Civil War refers to an ongoing conflict in Yemen. It began in 2014 between the internationally recognized government, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, and the Houthi rebel movement. The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis and has drawn international attention due to its devastating impact on the country and its people.

Fig: Yemeni Civil War Map

Background of the Yemeni Civil War

The Yemeni Civil War originated when the Yemeni government was overthrown by the Houthis in September 2014, following a conflict in the capital city of Sana'a. The Houthis, an Islamist political and armed movement, emerged from Sa’dah in northern Yemen in the 1990s, named after their founder who hails from the Houthi tribe. 

The conflict escalated in March 2015 when the Houthis launched a general mobilisation to conquer southern Yemen, which was under the control of loyalist forces of Yemen's then-president, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. By March 25 of that year, Houthi forces had reached the outskirts of Aden, the seat of power for Hadi's government, which led to his eventual escape from the country. Meanwhile, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia initiated military operations against the Houthis to reinstate the Hadi government.

It is widely believed, despite the lack of concrete evidence, that the Houthis receive funding and arms from the Iranian government, making the Yemeni Civil War an extension of the Iran-Saudi Arabia proxy conflict.

At present, Houthi forces control Sana’a and most of Northern Yemen. They have clashed with government forces loyal to Hadi, who are supported by Saudi Arabia. The Houthis suffered a significant defeat in 2018 when they lost control of Aden. Since then, the Houthi coalition has been largely fractured due to infighting.

About the Houthis

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are a rebel group based in northern Yemen. They belong to the Zaidi sect of Shia Islam. They have been involved in many conflicts with the Yemeni government. The group gained control of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and has since expanded its territorial control in the country.

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Causes of the Yemeni Civil War

The Yemeni Civil War arose from a complex interplay of political, social, and sectarian factors. Discontent with the government, regional tensions, and external influences all contributed to the eruption of violence.

  • Political Instability: Following the Arab Spring in 2011, President Ali Abdullah Saleh was forced to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. Hadi's administration struggled with corruption, unemployment, and economic turmoil.
  • Houthi Rebellion: The Houthis, a Shiite minority group from northern Yemen, accused the government of marginalization and launched an uprising. They seized the capital, Sana'a, in September 2014.
  • Sectarian Divisions: The Sunni-Shiite divide played a role, with the Sunni-majority government facing opposition from the Shiite Houthis and southern separatists.
  • Saudi-Iran Rivalry: The war is also part of the broader rivalry between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia, which supports the Hadi government, and Shiite-majority Iran, which is alleged to support the Houthis.

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Course of the Yemeni Civil War

The war has seen many phases and interventions, causing widespread devastation and drawing in various international actors.

  • Initial Uprising (2014): After capturing Sana'a, the Houthis expanded their control. This led President Hadi to flee to Saudi Arabia.
  • Saudi-led Intervention (2015): In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes against the Houthis, aiming to restore Hadi's government.
  • Ground Battles and Stalemate: Despite intense fighting, the war reached a stalemate, with neither side achieving decisive control. Key cities like Aden saw fierce battles.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: The blockade and continuous fighting resulted in mass displacement, famine, and disease outbreaks. It severely impacted Yemen’s civilian population.
  • Peace Efforts: Multiple rounds of U.N.-mediated peace talks have failed to produce a lasting resolution, though temporary ceasefires have occasionally reduced violence.

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Impacts of the Yemeni Civil War

The Yemeni Civil War has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Millions of people face severe food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, and displacement.

  • The war has devastated Yemen's health and education systems. This has resulted in a lack of medical facilities, widespread disease outbreaks, and limited access to education.
  • The conflict has severely impacted Yemen's economy, leading to high inflation, unemployment, and a decline in basic services, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
  • The war has forced millions of Yemenis to flee their homes, seeking refuge within Yemen or in neighboring countries. This has placed additional strain on regional resources and stability.
  • The conflict has created a breeding ground for extremist groups, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS. This has posed security threats not only in Yemen but also regionally and globally.

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Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Conflict Origins and Key Players: The Yemeni Civil War began in 2015, primarily between the Houthi rebel movement and the internationally recognized government led by President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The Houthis, who are Zaidi Shia Muslims, initially seized control of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
  • Saudi-Led Coalition Intervention: In March 2015, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia launched a military intervention in support of Hadi's government. This coalition, consisting of several Arab and Western countries, aimed to counter the Houthis and restore the Hadi government.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict has led to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Severe food insecurity, famine-like conditions, and widespread diseases such as cholera have plagued Yemen, exacerbated by blockades and the destruction of infrastructure.
  • Regional Geopolitics: The war is also a reflection of regional power struggles, particularly between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis are often seen as being backed by Iran, while Saudi Arabia and its allies support the Yemeni government, highlighting the proxy nature of the conflict.
  • International Involvement and Arms Trade: Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France have provided logistical and intelligence support to the Saudi-led coalition and have supplied arms. This has led to controversy and criticism concerning civilian casualties and human rights violations.
  • Human Rights Violations: Both sides of the conflict have been accused of committing severe human rights violations, including indiscriminate shelling, airstrikes on civilian targets, and the use of child soldiers. These have drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations.
  • Political and Peace Efforts: Various attempts at peace negotiations have been mediated by the United Nations. This led to multiple ceasefire agreements that have frequently been violated. The Stockholm Agreement of 2018 is one such effort that aimed to alleviate tensions, but its implementation has been inconsistent.
  • Economic Impact and Disintegration: Yemen’s economy has collapsed, with rampant inflation and the destruction of infrastructure. The war has fragmented the country, with different regions controlled by various factions, leading to a breakdown in law and order.
  • Social Implications: The prolonged conflict has devastated Yemen's social fabric, resulting in massive internal displacement, disruption of education, and widespread poverty. The young population, in particular, faces a bleak future with limited access to basic services.

We hope all your doubts regarding this topic have been addressed after going through this article. Ace your UPSC preparation with the Testbook App! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Yemeni Civil War is an ongoing protracted conflict that has been raging from 2014 to the present day. The conflict is mainly between the Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi-led Yemeni government and the Houthi armed movement, both claiming to constitute the official government of Yemen.

Yemen is experiencing the world’s worst food crisis, with nearly two-thirds of the population requiring food assistance. Over 100,000 people have been killed in Yemen, including 12,000 civilians. Its protracted conflict has also led to famine killing another 85,000 people.

The Yemeni Civil War 1994 was a conflict that erupted between the two major factions of Yemen following the unification of North Yemen (Yemen Arab Republic) and South Yemen (People's Democratic Republic of Yemen) in 1990. The war primarily pitted forces loyal to the newly formed government against those supporting the southern secessionist movement.

The main parties are the internationally recognized government led by President Hadi and the Houthi rebel movement.

The war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions facing food insecurity, lack of healthcare, and displacement.

Yes, a Saudi-led coalition has intervened militarily to support the Yemeni government. Iran has been accused of supporting the Houthi rebels.
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