Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)

Principal actors and territorial divisions

• Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) — controls Sanaa and much of northern Yemen at times, backed by local militias and alleged external support.
• Internationally recognised government — led by President Hadi, based at times in Aden or in exile, supported diplomatically and militarily by the Saudi-led coalition.
• Southern groups — including the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks greater autonomy or independence and has controlled parts of southern cities such as Aden.
• Extremist groups — Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates have exploited instability to secure territory in the south and east.
• Regional actors — Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been central to the coalition; Iran is widely accused of political and logistical support to the Houthis.

The war is not a simple two-sided contest but a complex, shifting multi-front conflict with competing local, regional and international interests. Control of coastal areas, oil and gas infrastructure, ports, and the central highlands has changed repeatedly.

Conduct, tactics and notable developments

Fighting has combined urban warfare, air campaigns, ground offensives and naval operations. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out extensive air strikes and blockades; Houthi forces have used ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and armed drones in attacks sometimes reaching into Saudi territory. Southern secessionists and militant groups have also fought government forces and each other, producing a patchwork of authority across Yemen.

Humanitarian impact and consequences

The conflict has produced one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Large numbers of civilians have been killed or injured, millions have been internally displaced, and basic services including health, water and sanitation have deteriorated. Recurrent disease outbreaks, food insecurity, and economic collapse have heightened civilian suffering. International agencies have described chronic shortages of food and medical supplies and warned of famine risk in the worst-affected areas.

Diplomacy, ceasefires and outlook

Multiple rounds of UN-mediated talks, local ceasefire agreements and framework accords (for example, the 2018 Stockholm Agreement addressing ports and prisoner exchanges) have produced intermittent pauses but have not achieved a comprehensive settlement. Frontlines remain fluid and political divisions persist between northern and southern authorities and among external sponsors. Prospects for durable peace depend on negotiated arrangements that address governance, security, humanitarian access and reconstruction.

Notable features of the conflict include its regional proxy dimensions, the fragmentation of the Yemeni state, the role of non-state armed groups, and the heavy civilian toll. Efforts by international actors continue to focus on humanitarian relief and negotiations to reach a political resolution, but the path to a stable and inclusive peace has remained elusive.