March 25, 2015
The Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen began with airstrikes against Houthi forces, marking the start of a military campaign in the Yemeni Civil War.
Sanaa, Yemen | Saudi Arabia-led coalition
On March 25, 2015, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia initiated a military intervention in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in the Yemeni Civil War. This intervention began with a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi forces, who had taken control of large parts of Yemen, including the capital, Sana’a.
The conflict in Yemen has deep-rooted historical, political, and sectarian dimensions:
Houthi Movement: The Houthis, a Zaidi Shia Muslim minority group from northern Yemen, had been engaged in conflict with the Yemeni government for years. Their grievances included political marginalization and economic neglect.
Political Unrest: The Arab Spring in 2011 led to the ousting of long-time President Ali Abdullah Saleh. His successor, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, struggled to stabilize the country, facing challenges from various factions, including the Houthis.
Houthi Advance: By 2014, the Houthis had allied with forces loyal to former President Saleh and seized control of Sana’a. In early 2015, they advanced southward, forcing President Hadi to flee to Saudi Arabia.
Coalition Formation: In response to a request from President Hadi, Saudi Arabia formed a coalition with several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Sudan. The coalition aimed to restore Hadi’s government and curb Iranian influence, as Iran was perceived to be supporting the Houthis.
Operation Decisive Storm: The military campaign, dubbed “Operation Decisive Storm,” began with airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, military bases, and infrastructure. The coalition’s goal was to weaken the Houthis’ military capabilities and halt their advance.
Humanitarian Crisis: The intervention exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. The conflict led to widespread destruction, displacement, and a severe shortage of food, medicine, and essential services.
Prolonged Conflict: Despite initial successes, the coalition faced challenges in achieving a decisive victory. The conflict became protracted, with various factions, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS, exploiting the chaos.
International Reactions: The intervention drew mixed reactions globally. While some countries supported the coalition’s efforts, others criticized the humanitarian impact and called for a peaceful resolution.
The Saudi-led intervention in Yemen is a pivotal event in Middle Eastern geopolitics, highlighting regional rivalries, particularly between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It underscores the complexities of proxy wars and the challenges of achieving peace in a fragmented political landscape. The ongoing conflict continues to have profound implications for regional stability and international humanitarian efforts.
Source: en.wikipedia.org