A simple guide to the Yemen conflict

Yemen is back in the global spotlight after the Iran-aligned Houthi group earlier this month made military gains against the forces loyal to the internationally recognised government, tightening its grip over the Red Sea coast.The latest escalation in the Arab region’s most impoverished nation follows a period of relative calm that had largely held since the United Nations-brokered ceasefire in 2022 between the Iran-aligned group and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.The Houthi takeover of northwestern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, in 2014 had drawn Saudi military intervention. The fighting left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, creating a humanitarian crisis.In 2023, Saudi Arabia and the Houthis agreed to a UN roadmap towards a permanent ceasefire after direct talks, but the roadmap was never formalised.Here’s a simple guide to Yemen’s war, from the Houthi takeover in 2014 to the latest escalation.From the 2014 Houthi takeover to the expansion of the Saudi-backed government The Houthis took over vast swaths of northwestern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, in September 2014, and months later assumed control of the government, forcing President Abd-Rabbu Mans...