Recently the Houthis have drawn global attention to themselves by launching nearly 50 missiles and drones against commercial and Naval ships, sailing under American and allied flags. These attacks have surprised and perplexed many Americans, who do not know much about the Houthis and the country they come from—Yemen.
Any thumbnail sketch of Yemen would point out that as of 2021, its population numbers 32.98 million and occupies almost 530,000 km²—roughly the size of Pennsylvania and California combined. The country is located at the southern end of the Arabian peninsula and borders the Red Sea to the west, the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea to the south, and Oman to the east. Half of the population is under 15 years old and 2.7% are above 65 years. The country is mainly Muslim—65% Sunni and 35% Shia.
Yemen has been marked by violent internal conflict for decades. Recently (since 2014), Yemen has been engulfed in civil war, pitting government forces against Houthi rebels, a Shiite Islamist military organization with Iranian affiliations. In 2014 the Houthis overran the nation’s capital and largest city, Sanaa, demanding reduced fuel prices and regime change. After unsuccessful talks, the rebels overtook the presidential palace in January 2015, resulting in the resignation of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his cabinet. The civil war continues.
Outside powers have a stake in the conflict in Yemen with Iran and a Saudi-led Gulf coalition on opposite sides. In March 2015, numerous Gulf states placed economic sanctions on Yemen and ordered airstrikes targeting the Houthi rebels, with assistance from the United States. In June of 2015, Saudi Arabia initiated a naval blockade aimed to cut off Iranian support to the Houthis, prompting Iran to challenge this with a naval convoy, escalating military tensions. The increased militarization in the region prompted the United States to intervene, also intercepting arms shipments to Yemen.
Taking inspiration from Hezbollah, the Houthis embrace slogans opposing the United States, Israel, and all Jews, proclaiming “God Is the Greatest, Death to America, Death to Israel, A Curse Upon the Jews, Victory to Islam.” Their ideological intensity coupled with the backing of Iran explains the recent attacks we have seen in the Red Sea.
The ongoing tensions in Yemen have devastated its population, displacing millions and forcing over two-thirds of the population into need for critical humanitarian aid. Even before the conflict, Yemen was recognized as the most fragile state in the Middle East. The blockade stands as a major factor driving the crisis, perpetuating the humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, a relentless air assault by Saudi Arabia and the UAE has led to over 19,000 civilian deaths, with the Houthis launching drone attacks on these countries in retaliation.
However, the severe humanitarian crisis is often underreported. In 2023, it was estimated that 21.6 million people in Yemen required humanitarian assistance; the numbers have only increased as the conflict with the Houthi rebels continues, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis marked by widespread hunger, displacement, and a non-existent healthcare system. According to the United Nations Population Fund, “a woman dies during pregnancy and childbirth every two hours from causes which are almost entirely preventable with access to services.” As UNICEF.org spotlights on their “emergencies” page: over 11 million children are in need of at least one form of humanitarian aid; the national socio-economic systems of Yemen are on the brink of collapse. Millions lack access to safe drinking water and proper hygiene as the country experiences regular outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases: cholera, measles, and diphtheria.
In the face of the devastating crisis in Yemen, there are tangible steps individuals can take to make a difference. While we may not be able to assist hands-on, our contributions through donations to organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation can provide critical support, helping to supply emergency aid, healthcare, clean water, and food to those in desperate need of humanitarian aid in Yemen.
