The Yemen civil war, raging since 2014, has turned the country into a battleground of regional power struggles, with the Houthi rebels clashing against the Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government. This devastating conflict has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, marked by famine, disease, and mass displacement. From the port city of Hodeidah to the capital Sanaa, the war’s toll on civilians is staggering, with international players like Iran and the UAE further complicating the fight. Here’s a deep dive into the Yemen civil war and its catastrophic impacts.
Houthi vs Saudi-Led Coalition: The Core Conflict
The Yemen civil war began when Houthi rebels, a Shia movement from northern Yemen, seized control of Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government into exile. The Saudi-led coalition, supported by the UAE and Western powers, intervened in 2015 to restore the government, launching a relentless air campaign. The Houthis, allegedly backed by Iran, have retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Saudi territory. In early 2025, Houthi forces captured key areas in Marib, a government stronghold, intensifying the conflict and threatening oil infrastructure.
Humanitarian Crisis: Famine and Displacement
The Yemen civil war has pushed the country to the brink of collapse. Over 24 million Yemenis—80% of the population—require humanitarian aid, with famine looming in regions like Hodeidah. The Saudi-led coalition’s blockade of Hodeidah port, a lifeline for food and fuel imports, has exacerbated food insecurity. Cholera outbreaks and malnutrition have killed thousands, particularly children. By March 2025, the UN estimates that 4 million Yemenis have been displaced, with refugee camps overflowing and aid agencies struggling to access conflict zones.
Sanaa Under Siege: A City on the Edge
Sanaa, Yemen’s historic capital, remains under Houthi control, but it’s a city under constant threat. Saudi-led coalition airstrikes have targeted Houthi positions, often hitting civilian areas. In February 2025, an airstrike on a Sanaa marketplace killed dozens, drawing global outrage. The Houthis, meanwhile, have cracked down on dissent, detaining journalists and activists. The city’s ancient architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies in ruins, a stark symbol of the war’s cultural devastation.
Regional Powers and the Path to Peace
The Yemen civil war is a proxy battleground for regional rivals. Iran’s support for the Houthis has fueled tensions with Saudi Arabia, while the UAE’s involvement, including its backing of southern separatists, has fragmented the anti-Houthi coalition. Peace talks, mediated by the UN, have repeatedly stalled. A March 2025 ceasefire proposal collapsed after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities, underscoring the challenges of ending the conflict. With famine and displacement worsening, the international community faces mounting pressure to act.
The Yemen civil war continues to devastate lives, with the Houthi vs Saudi-led coalition conflict showing no signs of resolution. Will peace ever return to Sanaa and Hodeidah, or will Yemen’s humanitarian crisis deepen further? Follow this unfolding tragedy and its global implications.