Yemen’s Ongoing Conflict and the Red Sea Crisis

Yemen remains a focal point of instability in the Middle East, with a complex civil war and its strategic location along the Bab al-Mandab Strait impacting international shipping. The conflict, rooted in longstanding political and economic grievances, has been exacerbated by regional power struggles and foreign intervention. Recent escalations, including Houthi attacks on maritime vessels and responses from international coalitions, continue to threaten regional security and global trade.

Background to the Conflict

The Republic of Yemen was formed in 1990 through the merger of North and South Yemen. However, tensions between the regions persisted, leading to a civil war in the 1990s. Renewed unrest following the Arab Spring in 2011 led to the resignation of the Yemeni president in 2012. A UN-mediated transition aimed to establish a modern governing arrangement, but the Houthi movement, a Zaydi Shia network based in northern Yemen, opposed the outcome and resumed an insurgency. In 2014, the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sana’a, and advanced towards Aden, prompting a request for international intervention.

Foreign Intervention and Escalation

In March 2015, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia launched a military campaign against the Houthis. The Houthis have received increasing support from Iran, while the United States has provided logistical, intelligence, and advisory support to the Saudi-led coalition, though this support has been scaled back over time due to concerns about civilian casualties [1]. Power-sharing agreements in 2020 and 2022 attempted to unite anti-Houthi forces, but internal divisions remain. In December 2025 and January 2026, Saudi Arabia intervened against the Southern Transitional Council (STC), reversing their gains in eastern Yemen and Aden, and leading to the departure of remaining UAE forces [1].

Houthi Attacks and International Response in the Red Sea

Beginning in October 2023, following the start of the Israel-Hamas war, the Houthis launched attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, particularly in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and against targets in Israel. These attacks disrupted maritime trade and prompted international concern. The United States initiated Operation Sankalp in December 2023 and Operation Prosperity Guardian in December 2023, forming a coalition to protect shipping lanes [1]. U.S. Forces began strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in March 2025, aiming to compel an end to the attacks. A truce was reached in May 2025, but the Houthis resumed attacks on some non-U.S. Ships in July 2025. Following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in October 2025, Houthi attacks ceased, but the group signaled a willingness to resume them if conflict resumes in Gaza [1]. Operation Aspides, led by the European Union, began in February 2024 [1].

Humanitarian Crisis and Challenges

The ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with over half the population – approximately 19.5 million people – requiring humanitarian assistance and protection [2]. Funding for humanitarian aid has fallen short of needs, forcing aid organizations to scale back critical services. Limits on movement and bureaucratic obstacles hinder aid delivery, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas, where UN and aid workers have faced detention [2].

Counterterrorism Concerns

The instability in Yemen has created opportunities for terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which maintains a relationship with the Houthis and an alliance with Al Shabaab [1]. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force and Hezbollah as well have a presence in Yemen.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of January 2026, the underlying conflict in Yemen remains unresolved. The Houthis continue to pose threats to shipping and regional stability. The dissolution of the STC is prompting a reorganization of anti-Houthi forces. U.S. Diplomatic efforts, led by the U.S. Ambassador to Yemen and a Yemen Affairs Unit based in Riyadh, continue to focus on de-escalation and dialogue [1]. The situation remains volatile, and a lasting resolution will require addressing the underlying political, economic, and social grievances that fuel the conflict.