Yemen's multi-dimensional conflict began as a political crisis following the 2011 Arab Spring, evolved into civil war when Houthi forces (Ansar Allah) swept south from Saada province to capture the capital Sanaa in September 2014, and expanded into a regional proxy war when a Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015. After a decade of fighting, the Houthis have consolidated control of northwestern Yemen including Sanaa and the Red Sea coast, while the internationally recognized government holds the south and east.
Reuters reported the release and evacuation of a mariner held for months after a Houthi-linked Red Sea attack, a reminder that the maritime campaign's human and commercial effects were still unfolding.
Yemen's multi-dimensional conflict began as a political crisis following the 2011 Arab Spring, evolved into civil war when Houthi forces (Ansar Allah) swept south from Saada province to capture the capital Sanaa in September 2014, and expanded into a regional proxy war when a Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015. After a decade of fighting, the Houthis have consolidated control of northwestern Yemen including Sanaa and the Red Sea coast, while the internationally recognized government holds the south and east. The conflict took a dramatically new global dimension beginning October 19, 2023, when Houthis launched their first ballistic missile at Israel in solidarity with Gaza. By early 2024, Houthis had launched over 100 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea using anti-ship ballistic missiles, Shahed suicide drones, naval mines, and drone boats. Major shipping companies including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and BP rerouted vessels around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, adding $1 million+ in fuel costs per voyage and 10-14 days in transit time. The Red Sea shipping corridor handles approximately 15% of global seaborne trade and 8% of global LNG trade, making Houthi interdiction of this waterway one of the most consequential acts of economic warfare since World War II. The United States established Operation Prosperity Guardian and launched Operation Poseidon Archer — hundreds of strikes on Houthi missile systems, radar installations, and leadership targets in Yemen from January 2024.
As of early 2025, the Yemen conflict remains frozen domestically with an informal ceasefire holding between Houthis and the Saudi coalition since 2022. However, the Red Sea campaign continues: Houthis claim to have struck 130+ vessels and sunk two ships. US/UK strike campaigns have degraded but not stopped Houthi launch capabilities. Iran continues supplying missile components via Oman smuggling routes. Saudi Arabia is seeking an exit from Yemen and has engaged in secret negotiations with the Houthis through Omani mediation. The Gaza ceasefire reduces but has not eliminated Houthi motivation for Red Sea attacks.
Houthis control Sanaa, Hodeidah, and NW Yemen; IRG/Saudi coalition hold Aden and eastern provinces
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints: 17,000 vessels transit it annually carrying 15% of global seaborne trade. Houthi attacks have effectively shut down this corridor for major shipping lines. Egyptian revenues from the Suez Canal — which handles 12% of global trade — fell by $7 billion in 2024 as traffic collapsed 50%. Yemen's humanitarian situation remains catastrophic: 21 million of 34 million people require humanitarian assistance, and the country has the world's worst cholera outbreak with 2.5 million cases. The conflict demonstrates how a poorly-equipped non-state actor armed by Iran can hold global commerce hostage.
Houthis deploy an estimated 200,000+ fighters armed with Iranian-supplied Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles with 700 km range, Shahed-136 suicide drones, Noor anti-ship missiles (C-802 derivatives), naval mines, and Houthi-developed drone boats. Iran provides technical advisors, missile components, and targeting intelligence. Saudi Arabia has deployed F-15S, Typhoon, and Tornado aircraft for airstrikes; UAE operates F-16 Block 60 with US-supplied smart munitions. The Saudi coalition has conducted over 25,000 airstrikes over 10 years.
Houthis capture Sanaa; government flees to Aden
Saudi Arabia launches Operation Decisive Storm; coalition air campaign begins with 100+ aircraft
Sanaa airport closed; country split between Houthi north and government south
Coalition airstrike kills 40 children on school bus in Dahyan; international outrage
UN-mediated 2-month truce; first pause in fighting since 2016
Houthis launch first missile toward Israel; regional escalation begins
Houthis seize Israeli-linked cargo ship Galaxy Leader; crew held hostage
Major shipping companies reroute from Red Sea; global trade disrupted