The Yemen Civil War, also known as the Yemeni Civil War, is a devastating conflict that has been ongoing since 2015. The roots of the war can be traced back to political instability, economic hardship, and sectarian tensions in Yemen. The involvement of external actors such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States has further complicated the situation. The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis in need of assistance due to food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks. Despite international calls for a ceasefire and negotiations, the suffering of the Yemeni people continues to be overlooked amid other global crises. It is crucial for the international community to prioritize efforts to end the conflict and provide aid to those affected.
The Yemen Civil War: The World’s Forgotten Conflict
Background
The Yemen Civil War, also known as the Yemeni Civil War, is an ongoing conflict that began in 2015 between two factions: the Houthi rebel movement, which is aligned with former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The war has its roots in the Arab Spring protests that swept across the Middle East in 2011, which ultimately led to the resignation of President Saleh in 2012.
Causes of the Conflict
The main causes of the Yemen Civil War can be attributed to political instability, economic hardship, and sectarian tensions. The Houthi rebels, who are Zaidi Shia Muslims, have long felt marginalized and discriminated against by the Sunni-dominated government. The collapse of the Yemeni economy, due to high unemployment and poverty, has also fueled resentment among the population.
International Involvement
The Yemen Civil War has drawn in a number of external actors, including Saudi Arabia and Iran. Saudi Arabia has been supporting the Yemeni government by launching airstrikes against Houthi targets, while Iran has allegedly been providing weapons and training to the Houthi rebels. The United States has also been involved in the conflict, providing logistical and intelligence support to the Saudi-led coalition.
Humanitarian Crisis
The Yemen Civil War has had a devastating impact on the civilian population, with over 24 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. The war has led to widespread food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks, including cholera and COVID-19. The blockade of Yemen’s ports by the Saudi-led coalition has worsened the situation, making it difficult for aid agencies to deliver much-needed supplies.
International Response
Despite the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, the conflict has largely been overshadowed by other global crises, such as the Syrian Civil War and the Rohingya refugee crisis. The international community has been criticized for not doing enough to end the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. Calls for a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement have been largely ignored by the warring parties.
Conclusion
The Yemen Civil War is a tragic example of a forgotten conflict that has had a catastrophic impact on the civilian population. The ongoing fighting, coupled with the humanitarian crisis, has created a desperate situation for millions of Yemenis. It is imperative that the international community takes action to end the conflict and provide much-needed assistance to those affected by the war.