Who is fighting Yemen? This question has been on the minds of many as the ongoing conflict in Yemen continues to escalate, leaving a trail of destruction and suffering. Yemen, a country located in the Arabian Peninsula, has been engulfed in a complex web of conflicts involving various parties, each with their own interests and objectives. This article aims to shed light on the key players involved in the Yemen conflict and their motivations.
The conflict in Yemen primarily revolves around two main factions: the Houthis and the Yemeni government, supported by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are a Shia Muslim militia that seeks to establish a Shia-led government in Yemen. They originated in the northern region of Yemen and have been fighting against the Yemeni government since 2004. In 2014, the Houthis overran the capital city of Sanaa and have since expanded their control over large parts of the country.
The Yemeni government, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, has been struggling to maintain its authority amidst the Houthi offensive. To counter the Houthi advances, the Yemeni government formed a coalition with several Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Egypt. This coalition, known as the Arab Coalition, aims to restore the legitimate government’s control over Yemen and defeat the Houthi rebels.
The role of Saudi Arabia in the Yemen conflict is significant, as it has been the leading force behind the Arab Coalition. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority country, views the Houthi movement as a proxy for Iran, which it suspects of supporting the Houthis. The Saudi government fears that the spread of Shia influence in the region could destabilize the kingdom and its allies. Therefore, Saudi Arabia has been actively involved in the conflict, providing military support to the Yemeni government and conducting airstrikes against Houthi targets.
The United States and the United Kingdom have also played a role in the Yemen conflict, primarily by providing logistical and intelligence support to the Arab Coalition. However, their involvement has been controversial, with critics arguing that their support for the Saudi-led coalition has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
On the ground, the Houthi rebels have managed to gain significant control over Yemen’s territory, including the capital city of Sanaa. They have established a de facto government and control key infrastructure, such as airports and ports. The Houthis have also been accused of human rights abuses, including the use of child soldiers and attacks on civilians.
The Yemeni government, supported by the Arab Coalition, has been fighting to regain control over the country. However, the conflict has become increasingly complex, with various non-state actors and jihadist groups, such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), also operating in the region. AQAP has taken advantage of the power vacuum created by the conflict to expand its influence in Yemen.
In conclusion, the Yemen conflict involves a multitude of parties with diverse interests and objectives. The Houthis, the Yemeni government, and the Arab Coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, are the primary players in this conflict. The involvement of external actors, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, has further complicated the situation. As the conflict continues to rage on, the plight of the Yemeni people remains a pressing concern, with millions facing hunger, disease, and displacement. Understanding the various players and their motivations is crucial in seeking a lasting solution to the Yemen conflict.
