Yemen / Houthis
20 articles
Why Haven’t the Houthis Supported Iran Yet?
The post Why Haven’t the Houthis Supported Iran Yet? appeared first on Sana'a Center For Strategic Studies.
The Houthis Wait in the Wings
The post The Houthis Wait in the Wings appeared first on Sana'a Center For Strategic Studies.
Houthis express solidarity with Iran but do not launch retaliatory attacks—yet
Houthi leader Abdulmalik al Houthi has delivered speeches in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran since the start of the US-Israeli military campaign, but he has not yet announced specific retaliatory military action. Instead, the Houthis have officially called for mass demonstrations and increas
Houthis escalate attacks against Yemeni government-aligned forces
The Iran-backed Houthis are redeploying forces and intensifying attacks on government-aligned groups in Yemen's Hodeidah and Marib governorates while undertaking emergency preparations including medical alerts and civilian shelters. These actions, combined with increased military activity along major frontlines in recent weeks, occur amid US military buildup in the Middle East ahead of potential strikes on Iran. The Houthis' motives for the emergency measures remain unclear.
Fostering Opportunities for E-Commerce Growth in Yemen
Yemen's e-commerce sector has significant growth potential for economic development and financial inclusion, but faces major obstacles including poor internet connectivity (only 17.7% online in 2024), limited digital payments, and weak regulatory frameworks. Success requires investment in digital infrastructure, protective regulations, and improved cybersecurity, with Starlink offering hope for better connectivity despite conflict-related transportation challenges.
Safeguarding the Rights and Freedoms of Yemeni Women and Girls: Stakeholders Advocacy Strategy 2025-2030
Yemen's decade-long conflict has severely worsened women's rights through increased gender-based violence, discrimination, and restrictions on freedom of movement and expression. The Sana'a Center convened Yemeni leaders in 2023 to develop strategies enhancing women's role by 2030, consulting over 60 leaders to create a vision for equal participation in public and political life. The strategy requires collaboration among government, political parties, civil society, and international organizations to protect women's rights and freedoms.
Sana’a Center Discusses Yemen Crisis and Red Sea Escalation at the 9th International Forum in Shanghai
The Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies participated in the 9th International Forum on Asia and the Middle East in Shanghai (September 26–28), presenting insights on Yemen's crisis and Red Sea tensions. The forum gathered scholars and policymakers from 25 countries to discuss shifting power dynamics, regional security, and development issues. Sana'a Center leadership emphasized engaging global powers like China in resolving Yemen's conflict and supporting regional development.
Statement: The Sana’a Center Condemns the Incitement Campaign by the Islah Party and its Aligned Military Elements
The Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies condemns an incitement campaign against its leadership following an editorial criticizing lawlessness in Taiz, Yemen. The Tur al-Bahah Military Axis falsely accused center officials of involvement in a terrorist plot, threatening their safety. The center blames the Islah party for orchestrating the coordinated smear campaign.
UNSC Considers PoE Report Findings Ahead of Yemen Sanctions Vote
The UN Security Council will vote November 13 on renewing sanctions against Yemen's Houthis, based on a Panel of Experts report documenting the group's systematic violations including human rights abuses, smuggling, and strengthened ties with Al-Qaeda affiliates. The report details how Houthis consolidate power through repression, child recruitment, and detention of UN personnel, while the Council considers further measures to strengthen sanctions enforcement and protect civilians.
China’s Growing Role in the Yemen Conflict
China is covertly supporting Yemen's Houthi rebel group through intermediaries like Iran, providing dual-use technology including missile and drone components and satellite imagery, despite publicly supporting UN-backed peace efforts. US intelligence reports and sanctions against Chinese companies reveal Beijing is supplying advanced weapons technology that has significantly bolstered Houthi military capabilities and Red Sea attacks on shipping since 2023. Analysts believe China is exploiting regional tensions to enhance its influence while undermining US interests in the strategically important region.
Energy Transition in Yemen: A Path to Justice and Sustainable Development
Yemen faces a severe energy crisis with widespread blackouts and deteriorating infrastructure, prompting urgent need for a sustainable energy transition. The policy brief emphasizes that rural areas offer better opportunities for pilot renewable energy projects than conflict-affected urban centers. Successful energy transition requires coordinated action from government, international partners, and civil society with focus on equitable access and inclusion of women and youth.
The STC Moves Into Eastern Yemen – Reaction from Sana’a Center Experts
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized control of Yemen's eastern Hadramawt and Al-Mahra regions in early December, completing its takeover of former South Yemen territory and its oil fields. This military expansion has destabilized Yemen's internationally recognized government, prompting its leaders to flee to Saudi Arabia and raising questions about the country's territorial integrity. The STC views full military control over these eastern governorates as essential to securing international recognition for southern independence.
Yemen’s History of Political Alliances and Lessons for the Future
The Old City of Sana'a on July 30, 2020 // Sana'a Center photo December 15, 2025 Reading time: 00:29:27 اقرأ المحتوى باللغة العربية Maysaa Shuja Al-Deen Tawfeek Al-Ganad Introduction Alliances are a common phenomenon in Yemen, deeply rooted in the country’s political life and social structures. Y...
Turmoil in Southern Yemen: The Implications for the Houthis and Iran
In December 2024, UAE-backed STC forces seized southern Yemen but were quickly defeated by Saudi-backed groups, destabilizing the anti-Houthi coalition. Iran, which backs the Houthis, faces uncertainty as the security situation reshapes, though a weakened south could paradoxically benefit Tehran's long-term influence in Yemen.
The Government of Last Chances: Risks and Priorities for Yemen’s New Cabinet
Yemen formed a new cabinet on February 6, 2026, continuing its power-sharing system among northern, southern, and eastern political factions. The government faces severe challenges including failing public services, economic collapse, security threats from Houthis and UAE-backed forces, and lack of oil revenue. Saudi Arabia is overseeing the transition but must navigate regional tensions and establish control on the ground.
Can the New Government Seize A Critical Opportunity for Success?
Yemen's Prime Minister Shayea al-Zindani formed a 35-member cabinet, though he had limited control over its composition, with decision-making authority resting largely with Saudi Arabia and the Presidential Leadership Council. The cabinet composition reflects quota-based politics prioritizing loyalty over merit, sparking debate about representation, though regional quotas risk deepening Yemen's divisions. The large cabinet exemplifies governance distortions from Yemen's decade-long war, including rent-seeking behavior and officials' detachment from ground-level problems.
Supporting Trade Finance in Yemen Amid Uncertainty
Yemen's war has fractured its trade finance system into competing regional structures controlled by rival Central Bank branches, disrupting imports and fueling economic crisis. The collapse of formal banking, combined with US sanctions on the Houthis and correspondent bank restrictions, has driven reliance on unregulated financial networks and pushed import costs higher. Recent government reforms have stabilized the currency, but full empowerment of banking institutions is needed to restore trade financing and address food insecurity in a country dependent on imports for 90% of basic staples.
Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in Yemen
President Abdo Rabbu Mansour Hadi holds up the National Dialogue Conference Outcomes report on at a session of the NDC on January 21, 2014 // Photo credit: EPA/Yayha Arhab February 24, 2026 Reading time: 00:31:12 Marta Mendes Introduction: Connecting the Transition Framework with Transitional Jus...
'They seized everything': Yemen's Houthi rebels drive aid groups to the brink
Yemen's humanitarian crisis worsens as the Houthi movement restricts aid organizations through interference, funding demands, and access denials. An NGO founder describes losing 90% of funding and laying off staff after the Iran-backed group demanded control over aid distribution and work conditions. Over 22 million Yemenis need assistance amid civil war that has killed more than 377,000 people since 2015.
Report to Congress on Yemen and Red Sea Security
Yemen's civil war between the Iran-backed Houthis and the internationally recognized government has created regional instability and humanitarian crisis since 2015. The Houthis, controlling northwestern Yemen including the capital, have repeatedly attacked international shipping in the Red Sea's strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, prompting U.S. military intervention and diplomatic agreements. Recent Saudi military action against separatists and ongoing tensions signal the conflict remains unresolved with continued threats to regional security and shipping.