General information
Type of Incompatibility: Government
Comment on Type of Incompatibility: The incompatibility in the intrastate conflict in North Yemen in 1948 concerned who should take over the leadership after the late Iman Yahya had been killed earlier the same year. Thus, the incompatibility concerned government. The conflict in 1979-1982 also concerned government. In 1978, the opposition group NDF (National Democratic Front) declared its goal to oust the new President Salih and his regime, who immediately after assuming power had stepped up the repressive measures against the opposition.
In January 2009, the local al-Qaida branches in Yemen and Saudi Arabia merged and announced the formation of AQAP (al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula). In connection to the merger, the group stated its aim to overthrow the government in Yemen and establish “the State of Islam and the Rightly-Guided Caliphate”.
In 2015, the violence in Yemen escalated drastically. Ansarallah ousted the government led by President Hadi and took control over the capital in January. According to UCDP definitions, Ansarallah was then seen as the Government of Yemen. Hadi was put under house arrest and resigned on 22 January. After having managed to flee to Aden, Hadi retracted his resignation on 21 February and resumed the position as president. While his government was the internationally recognized one, due to above mentioned definitions, Forces of Hadi was seen as a non-state actor.
Date of first stated goal of incompatibility: 1948-12-31
Comment on date of first stated goals of incompatibility: In 1918, North Yemen became independent and following the Ottomans’ departure, Imam Yahya Mahmud al-Mutawwakil seized power. His authoritarian theocratic rule caused widespread dissatisfaction among the population and by the end of World War II, the dissatisfaction had come to include segments from both secular and Muslim reformers and modernists. The discontent eventually culminated in 1948, reportedly on 17 February, when the 80 year old Yahya was assassinated together with three of his 16 sons and his chief adviser. Following the assassinations, Abdullah ibn-Ahmed el-Wazir, a former chief adviser to Yahya, announced himself as the late Iman’s successor. He also stated that a “constitutional government” had been formed under the Emir Seif el-Hak Ibrahim, one of the late Imams sons. However, shortly afterwards, an opposition coalition led by the late Imam’s oldest son Ahmed succeeded in overthrowing the new government after a short intrastate conflict and subsequently assumed power. The takeover was reported to have been completed on 15 March, when Ahmed had established full control over Sanaa, the Yemeni capital. On 22 March, the Arab League announced its formal recognition of the new Imam.
The date of the first stated goal of incompatibility is set only to the year of 1948, due to lack of information on when the short intra-state conflict was initiated by the opposition collation.
Date of first use of armed force: 1948-12-31
Comment on first use of armed force: In 1918, North Yemen became independent and following the Ottomans’ departure, Imam Yahya Mahmud al-Mutawwakil seized power. His authoritarian theocratic rule caused widespread dissatisfaction among the population and by the end of World War II, the dissatisfaction had come to include segments from both secular and Muslim reformers and modernists. The discontent eventually culminated in 1948, reportedly on 17 February, when the 80 year old Yahya was assassinated together with three of his 16 sons and his chief adviser. Following the assassinations, Abdullah ibn-Ahmed el-Wazir, a former chief adviser to Yahya, announced himself as the late Iman’s successor. He also stated that a “constitutional government” had been formed under the Emir Seif el-Hak Ibrahim, one of the late Imams sons. However, shortly afterwards, an opposition coalition led by Imam Yahyas oldest son Ahmed succeeded in overthrowing the new government after a short intrastate conflict and subsequently assumed power. The takeover was reported to have been completed on 15 March, when Ahmed had established full control over Sanaa, the Yemeni capital. On 22 March, the Arab League announced its formal recognition of the new Imam.
The date of the first use of armed violence is set only to the year of 1948, due to lack of information on when the short intra-state conflict was initiated by the opposition collation.
Date of first battle related death: 1948-02-15
Comment on first battle related death: In 1918, North Yemen became independent and following the Ottomans’ departure, Imam Yahya Mahmud al-Mutawwakil seized power. His authoritarian theocratic rule caused widespread dissatisfaction among the population and by the end of World War II, the dissatisfaction had come to include segments from both secular and Muslim reformers and modernists. The discontent eventually culminated in 1948, reportedly on 17 February, when the 80 year old Yahya was assassinated together with three of his 16 sons and his chief adviser. Following the assassinations, Abdullah ibn-Ahmed el-Wazir, a former chief adviser to Yahya, announced himself as the late Iman’s successor. He also stated that a “constitutional government” had been formed under the Emir Seif el-Hak Ibrahim, one of the late Imams sons. However, shortly afterwards, an opposition coalition led by Imam Yahyas oldest son Ahmed succeeded in overthrowing the new government after a short intrastate conflict and subsequently assumed power. The takeover was reported to have been completed on 15 March, when Ahmed had established full control over Sanaa, the Yemeni capital. On 22 March, the Arab League announced its formal recognition of the new Imam.
The date of the first battle-related death is set only to March 1948, due to lack of information on when the short intra-state conflict was initiated by the opposition collation.
Date of conflict reached 25 battle releated deaths: 1948-03-15
Comment on conflict reached 25 battle releated deaths: In 1918, North Yemen became independent and following the Ottomans’ departure, Imam Yahya Mahmud al-Mutawwakil seized power. His authoritarian theocratic rule caused widespread dissatisfaction among the population and by the end of World War II, the dissatisfaction had come to include segments from both secular and Muslim reformers and modernists. The discontent eventually culminated in 1948, reportedly on 17 February, when the 80 year old Yahya was assassinated together with three of his 16 sons and his chief adviser. Following the assassinations, Abdullah ibn-Ahmed el-Wazir, a former chief adviser to Yahya, announced himself as the late Iman’s successor. He also stated that a “constitutional government” had been formed under the Emir Seif el-Hak Ibrahim, one of the late Imams sons. However, shortly afterwards, an opposition coalition led by Imam Yahyas oldest son Ahmed succeeded in overthrowing the new government after a short intrastate conflict and subsequently assumed power. The takeover was reported to have been completed on 15 March, when Ahmed had established full control over Sanaa, the Yemeni capital. On 22 March, the Arab League announced its formal recognition of the new Imam.
The date on which the conflict reached 25 battle-related deaths is set only to March 1948, due to lack of information on when the short intra-state conflict was initiated by the opposition collation.
Annual information
This section contains annual information systematically collected by the UCDP.
1978
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 0 |
| Best | 0 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1979
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - NDF
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1980
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - NDF
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1981
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - NDF
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1982
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - NDF
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2001
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 0 |
| Best | 0 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2004
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 0 |
| Best | 0 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2005
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 0 |
| Best | 0 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2006
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 0 |
| Best | 0 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2007
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 0 |
| Best | 0 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2008
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Ansarallah
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 111 |
| Best | 33 |
| Low | 33 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2009
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Ansarallah, AQAP
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of United States of America
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: On 17 December, USA launched a missile strike from a navy ship offshore. The missile, loaded with cluster bombs, hit an alleged training camp for AQAP in Abyan province. However, the attack also killed a large number of civilians. A week later, on 24 December, a second attack was launched, this time with no reports of civilian casualties. The Yemeni government claimed the attacks and USA has never officially confirmed any US attacks in Yemen. However, Amnesty International has reported that USA is the only country that has that type of missiles that were used in the first attack (citing photographs of damaged missiles parts as evidence). Furthermore, on 20 September, 2010, Yemen’s foreign minister acknowledged that USA was behind the December strikes. Therefore, USA is seen as a secondary warring party on the government side in the conflict between the Yemeni government and AQAP (although no US soldiers have been deployed on Yemeni soil).
Although also Saudi Arabia was targeted in AQAP’s (al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula) speech on 23 January 2009, the dyad is only recorded as active in Yemen since less than 25 battle-related were reported in Saudi Arabia.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 1611 |
| Best | 1413 |
| Low | 1288 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2010
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Ansarallah, AQAP
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of United States of America
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: On 24 May, USA launched an airstrike in northern Yemen by using a drone, making USA a secondary warring party on the government side in the conflict between the Yemeni government and AQAP (although no US soldiers have been deployed on Yemeni soil). The tribal governor of Ma’rib province was accidently killed in the attack. The governor was on a mediation session, on behalf of the Yemeni government, with an AQAP member who reportedly were about to turn himself in. The AQAP member managed to escape the attack. The governor’s tribe responded by attacking a number of installations and oil pipes. Several people were killed in the subsequent clashes. The government of Yemen eventually engaged in tribal mediation and paid reportedly 4.5 million dollars in “blood money”.
USA has not formally claimed the attack, but on 15 August, the New York Times published an article stating that, according to US officials, the strike was indeed carried out by the US military. The drone was reportedly launched from an US base in Djibouti. Several other sources, including HRW, states that the US military was behind the drone attack. It has been pointed out that the old and ill-equipped Yemeni air force does not have drones of their own and also that the US military launched air strikes on northern Yemen in late 2009.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 889 |
| Best | 716 |
| Low | 610 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2011
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Alliance of Yemeni Tribes, Ansarallah, AQAP, Free Yemeni Army, Islah
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of United States of America
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2011, USA increased its drone attacks on Yemeni soil against AQAP-members, the most well-reported being the attack that killed the US-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki on 30 September. The Yemeni government has denied any direct US involvement in the fight against AQAP. However, on 14 June, Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, stated that USA in fact were carrying out operations in Yemen.
Because of the drone attacks, USA was listed as a secondary warring party in Yemen in 2011, despite that no US soldiers have been deployed on Yemeni soil.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 1748 |
| Best | 1699 |
| Low | 1520 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2012
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - AQAP
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of United States of America
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2012, USA increased its drone attacks on Yemeni soil against AQAP-members. Because of the drone attacks, USA was listed as a secondary warring party in Yemen in 2012, despite that no US soldiers have been deployed on Yemeni soil.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 2568 |
| Best | 2462 |
| Low | 2417 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2013
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - AQAP
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of United States of America
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2013, USA continued to carry out drone attacks against AQAP-members on Yemeni soil. Because of the drone attacks, USA was considered a secondary warring party in Yemen in 2013, even though no US soldiers were deployed in Yemen.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 667 |
| Best | 599 |
| Low | 593 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2014
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Ansarallah, AQAP
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of United States of America
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2014, USA continued to carry out drone attacks against AQAP-members on Yemeni soil. Because of the drone attacks, USA was considered a secondary warring party in Yemen, even though no US soldiers were deployed in Yemen.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 2241 |
| Best | 1855 |
| Low | 1810 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
Peace agreements
Name of peace agreement: The Peace and National Partnership Agreement
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 2014-09-21
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
This agreement provides guiding principles and lays a framework for a new, federal, democratic state of Yemen. It includes provisions for power sharing and a ceasefire. The ceasefire, detailed further in an attached annex, was to be accompanied by a cessation of hostilities in Al Jawf and Mareb, and all armed groups from outside are to withdraw. Military, administrative, and security authorities are to be restructured. This agreement stemmed from conclusions of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC), a transitional dialogue aiming to reconcile the Yemeni crisis, held in Sana'a Yemen between 2013-2014. This agreement was facilitated by the UN Envoy to Yemen. It stipulates that the President shall engage in transparent consultations with all constituencies in order to establish a competency-based government. It dissolved the old government and gave Ansarallah broad powers in the new government.
Regarding the incompatibility, this agreement outlines power sharing in the new government and brings parties into agreement that the State should be built on principles of democracy and unity. The agreement specifies integration in government and shared governance, primarily by providing for fair representation of all constituencies.
Other provisions in the agreement outline bodies for implementation and continued negotiations to through a joint committee to be set up with the UN. It also specifies that the new government shall undertake to build national consensus on a new constitution; implement economic reforms and increase social welfare payments, the annual budget, and salaries for civil service, military, and security sector employees; end political, public, and media escalation as related to the use of force; and commit to full implementation of the National Dialogue Conference. Protest camps in the capital were to be removed and fuel prices to be lowered.
Signatories: Not signed, but agreement mentions the following parties as having produced it: all Yemeni constituencies represented in the National Dialogue Conference. It is presumed to include President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, representatives of Ansarallah and representatives of the Southern Movement.
Comment of signatories: Dyadic peace agreement signed on 21 September 2014.
Comment of third parties role in peace agreement: Though no signatories, the agreement was facilitated by the UN envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar.
Ended: True
Date agreement ended: 2015-01-21
Comment of Duration: In early 2015, the violence between the Government of Yemen and Ansarallah escalated. Between 19-20 January, security forces and Ansarallah clashed in the capital of Sanaa. Ansarallah eventually gained full control of the capital and according to UCDP definitions; Ansarallah became the Government of Yemen as of 21 January.
Full-text peace agreement
2015
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Ansarallah, AQAP, Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Egypt, Government of Eritrea, Government of Jordan, Government of Kuwait, Government of Morocco, Government of Qatar, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of Sudan, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: On 26 March, a Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi. The airstrikes continued throughout the year, causing high death tolls. The coalition consisted of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt. The first four; Saudi Arabia, Sudan, UAE and Bahrain, also used ground troops to fight against the Government of Yemen.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 8703 |
| Best | 7559 |
| Low | 7015 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2016
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - AQAP, Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Egypt, Government of Eritrea, Government of Jordan, Government of Kuwait, Government of Morocco, Government of Qatar, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of Sudan, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2016, the Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out airstrikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi. The coalition consisted of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 3402 |
| Best | 3275 |
| Low | 3150 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2017
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - AQAP, Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council, GPC
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Egypt, Government of Eritrea, Government of Jordan, Government of Morocco, Government of Qatar, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of Sudan, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2017, the Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out airstrikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi. The coalition consisted of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt. However, it was unclear to what extent Kuwait provided active military support (airstrikes, troops etc) and therefore, those three countries were not seen as secondary warring parties in 2017.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 3646 |
| Best | 3209 |
| Low | 3056 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2018
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - AQAP, Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Eritrea, Government of Morocco, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of Sudan, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2018, the Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out air strikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi. The coalition consisted of a larger number of countries, but the ones that provided active military support were primarily Saudi Arabia, Sudan, UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 6827 |
| Best | 4707 |
| Low | 4609 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2019
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of Sudan, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2019, the Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out air strikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi. The coalition consisted of a larger number of countries, but the ones that provided active military support were primarily Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sudan, and Bahrain.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 3595 |
| Best | 2643 |
| Low | 2109 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2020
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of Sudan, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2020, the Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out air strikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi. The coalition consisted of a larger number of countries, but the ones that provided active military support were primarily Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sudan, and Bahrain.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 16229 |
| Best | 6273 |
| Low | 3760 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2021
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of Sudan, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2021, the Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out air strikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi. The coalition consisted of a larger number of countries, but the ones that provided active military support were primarily Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sudan, and Bahrain.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 33671 |
| Best | 23374 |
| Low | 22116 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2022
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of Sudan, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2022, the Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out air strikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council (formerly Forces of Hadi). The coalition consisted of a larger number of countries, but the ones that provided active military support were primarily Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sudan, and Bahrain.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 3594 |
| Best | 2942 |
| Low | 2149 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2023
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of Sudan, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2023, several members of the the Saudi-led coalition continued maintain a presence in support of Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council (formerly Forces of Hadi) against the Government of Yemen. The number of countries supporting the coalition had decreased substantially, with only Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain retaining forces in Yemen. A contingent from the Rapid Support Forces, a Sudanese military unit turned rebel group, also remained in Yemen.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 4620 |
| Best | 809 |
| Low | 740 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2024
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: In 2024, several members of the the Saudi-led coalition continued maintain a presence in support of Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council (formerly Forces of Hadi) against the Government of Yemen. The number of countries supporting the coalition had decreased substantially, with only Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain retaining forces in Yemen. A contingent from the Rapid Support Forces, a Sudanese military unit turned rebel group, also remained in Yemen.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 805 |
| Best | 779 |
| Low | 397 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2025
Primary Parties: Government of Yemen (North Yemen) - Forces of the Presidential Leadership Council
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Bahrain, Government of Saudi Arabia, Government of United Arab Emirates
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 452 |
| Best | 444 |
| Low | 407 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
Conflict Archive
This section contains annual information no longer systematically collected by the UCDP.
1978 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
1979 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In 1979, the clashes that had taken place between NDF (National Democratic Front) and North Yemeni troops in late 1978, escalated drastically at the same time as North Yemen and South Yemen engaged in a short border conflict. On 24 February 1979, North Yemen accused South Yemen of having launched an invasion into its territory. South Yemen, on the other hand claimed that it successfully had repelled an attack by North Yemeni forces (for more information see the interstate conflict between North Yemen and South Yemen).
Simultaneously, NDF launched attacks on North Yemen from positions inside South Yemen. NDF received considerable support from South Yemen and was based in Aden during a long time, the capital of South Yemen. On the same day as the first clashes between North and South Yemen took place, 24 February, the latter claimed that NDF had captured the North Yemeni border town of Qataba. NDF supported this claim and stated that it had also taken other towns such as Al Bayda and Harib. North Yemen rejected these claims and denied NDF’s existence, despite its advancement deep into North Yemen. The fighting between the government troops and NDF ended when a ceasefire agreement was reached between North Yemen and South Yemen on 16 March 1979.
Following the ceasefire between the North Yemen and South Yemen, the latter began to decrease its support to NDF. More and more NDF troops were subsequently moved into North Yemen.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 25 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: NDF was not included in the talks leading up to the ceasefire agreement on 16 March 1979 between North Yemen and South Yemen which ceased the fighting between the two countries as well as the fighting between NDF and North Yemen.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1980 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In February 1980, the leader of NDF, Sultan Ahmad Umar, announced that an agreement had been signed with the North Yemeni President Ali Abdallah Salih on 31 January. The agreement was claimed to include provisions for NDF to participate in elections. The government remained silent, however, and never officially recognised the existence of NDF, usually referring to them as “dissidents” or “subversives”.
In late April 1980, NDF started to accuse the government of violating the January agreement and later, in August, it claimed that the regime had terminated their dialogue. The verbal accusations were accompanied by the eruption of fighting in early May. A number of violent clashes between NDF and North Yemeni troops took place in May and in early June, reportedly in the border area south of Sanaa. Over 100 army troops were said to have been killed or wounded in the fighting.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 25 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: In February 1980, the leader of NDF, Sultan Ahmad Umar, announced that an agreement had been signed with the North Yemeni President Ali Abdallah Salih on 31 January. The agreement was claimed to include provisions for NDF to participate in election. The government remained silent, however, and never officially recognised the existence of NDF, usually referring to them as “dissidents” or “subversives”.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1981 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In early 1981, after months of continuous fighting in 1980, NDF was claimed to have been defeated and forced to retreat to their bases in South Yemen. At the same time, there were reports claiming that the group was still active in the southern parts of North Yemen, near the border with South Yemen. The latter reports were correct and clashes took place throughout the most of 1981, with particularly heavy clashes towards the end of the year. On 26 November, a ceasefire was agreed between the government and NDF. The meeting leading up to the ceasefire was held in Kuwait under the auspices of the Kuwaiti government and was also attended by the South Yemeni President Ali Nasir Mohammed. The agreement stipulated a demilitarised border region and the formation of a tripartite committee consisting of representatives from NDF, North Yemen and South Yemen.
Despite the ceasefire in late 1981, the fighting between the government troops and NDF continued in 1982.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 25 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: On 26 November 1981, a ceasefire was agreed between the government and NDF. The meeting leading up to the ceasefire was held in Kuwait under the auspices of the Kuwaiti government and was also attended by the South Yemeni President Ali Nasir Mohammed. The agreement stipulated a demilitarised border region and the formation of a tripartite committee consisting of representatives from NDF, North Yemen and South Yemen.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: Kuwait
Comment on Third Party Involvement: On 26 November 1981, a ceasefire was agreed between the government and NDF. The meeting leading up to the ceasefire was held in Kuwait under the auspices of the Kuwaiti government.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1982 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: Despite the ceasefire in late 1981, the fighting between the government troops and NDF continued in 1982. A new ceasefire was negotiated and entered into effect on 3 April 1982, after mediation efforts by PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organisation). This ceasefire was also short-lived, and it was broken off when NDF captured the town of Juban, located six miles from the South Yemeni border. A counter-attack by the North Yemeni government troops followed and according to NDF, about 4000 political opponents were arrested by the government in Sanaa and Taiz. In connection to this offensive, the governments of North Yemen and South Yemen met on 5-7 May in order to avoid a renewed border conflict between the two countries (for more information see interstate conflict between North Yemen and South Yemen). The risk of renewed fighting was high since North Yemeni troops were pushing the NDF rebels closer and closer to the South Yemeni border and there was a risk that the troops might cross the border in pursuit of the rebels.
An agreement was reached between the two governments, stipulating that North Yemen would proclaim amnesty for NDF members and also incorporate them into the political system. In return, South Yemen pledged not to give any further support to the group. Following this agreement, a ceasefire was agreed upon with NDF. This time the ceasefire held and the promised amnesty was proclaimed. Many of the NDF leaders subsequently began to take part in the political dialogue in Sanaa.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 25 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: Despite the ceasefire in late 1981, the fighting between the government troops and NDF continued in 1982. A new ceasefire was negotiated and entered into effect on 3 April 1982, after mediation efforts by PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organisation). This ceasefire was also short-lived, and it was broken off when NDF captured the town of Juban, located six miles from the South Yemeni border.
The governments of North Yemen and South Yemen met on 5-7 May in order to avoid a renewed border conflict between the two countries (see interstate conflict North Yemen – South Yemen). The risk of renewed fighting was high since North Yemeni troops were pushing the NDF rebels closer and closer to the South Yemeni border and there was a risk that the troops might cross the border in pursuit of the rebels. An agreement was reached between the two governments, stipulating that North Yemen would proclaim amnesty for NDF members and also incorporate them into the political system. In return, South Yemen pledged not to give any further support to the group. Following this agreement, a ceasefire was agreed upon with NDF. This time the ceasefire held and the promised amnesty was proclaimed. Many of the NDF leaders subsequently began to take part in the political dialogue in Sanaa.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organisation)
Comment on Third Party Involvement: Despite the ceasefire in late 1981, the fighting between the government troops and NDF continued in 1982. A new ceasefire was negotiated and entered into effect on 3 April 1982, after mediation efforts by PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organisation). This ceasefire was also short-lived, and it was broken off when NDF captured the town of Juban, located six miles from the South Yemeni border.
Victory: NO
Terminated: YES
Type of termination: Ceasefire
Date of termination: 1982-12-31
Comment on Termination: In 1982, despite a ceasefire agreement in April, fighting continued between NDF (National Democratic Front) and the North Yemeni troops. Eventually, an agreement between North Yemen and NDF’s main supporter, South Yemen, was reached in May which stipulated that North Yemen would proclaim amnesty for NDF members and also incorporate them into the political system. In return, South Yemen pledged not to give any further support to the group. Following this agreement, a ceasefire was agreed upon with NDF. This time the ceasefire held and the promised amnesty was proclaimed. Many of the NDF leaders subsequently began to take part of the political dialogue in Sanaa. The conflict did not resume after 1982. The date of termination is set to the end of 1982, since the actual date of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement is not known.
Comment on Termination Date: In 1982, despite a ceasefire agreement in April, fighting continued between NDF (National Democratic Front) and the North Yemeni troops. Eventually, an agreement between North Yemen and NDF’s main supporter, South Yemen, was reached in May which stipulated that North Yemen would proclaim amnesty for NDF members and also incorporate them into the political system. In return, South Yemen pledged not to give any further support to the group. Following this agreement, a ceasefire was agreed upon with NDF. This time the ceasefire held and the promised amnesty was proclaimed. Many of the NDF leaders subsequently began to take part of the political dialogue in Sanaa. The conflict did not resume after 1982. The date of termination is set to the end of 1982, since the actual date of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement is not known.
2001 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
2004 Conflict Archive
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: In late July, sources close to Al-Houthi reported an estimated death toll of around 400. The highest estimate for the three months of activity was around 600 dead.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: There were no negotiations per se regards to the incompatibility, but at least three attempts were made to make Al-Houthi surrender. The first two were initiated by the government during the first weeks of the conflict, but both were rebuffed as Al-Houthi stated he would rather fight than surrender. He accused the mediators of being "atheist" and referred to the uprising as "revolting against the Yemeni government."
In late July, a delegation comprising over 25 Islamic scholars and politicians - including Al-Houthis brother Yahua, a member of parliament - formed and offered Al-Houthi a "fair trial."
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2005 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2006 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
2007 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
2008 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
2009 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The formation of AQAP (al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula) was announced on 23 January 2009. AQAP was formed through a merger of the al-Qaida offshoots in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The four leaders that appeared in the video speech included two former Guantanamo prisoners. In this speech, the group stated their aim to launch a holy war and establish the State of Islam on the Arabian Peninsula.
Following the merger of the two al-Qaida branches, the Yemeni government launched a “comprehensive campaign” against suspected members of AQAP. The government was reported to have deployed thousands of troops on the border to Saudi Arabia and Oman in order to prevent AQAP members from crossing the border. The government also claimed to have a “strong security co-ordination” with Saudi Arabia. Throughout the year, there were numerous reports of arrests and clashes involving suspected al-Qaida members, however, it has not been possible to verify that it was indeed AQAP members who were involved in the clashes. Therefore, the first use of armed violence in this conflict is set to 3 November 2009. This was the first time that AQAP claimed responsibility for an attack on the Yemeni security forces.
The conflict reached 25 battle-related deaths on 17 December, when USA launched a missile strike from a navy ship offshore. The missile, loaded with cluster bombs, hit an alleged training camp for AQAP in Abyan province. However, the attack also killed a large number of civilians. A week later, on 24 December, a second attack was launched, this time with no reports of civilian casualties. The Yemeni government claimed the attacks and USA has never officially confirmed any US attacks in Yemen. However, Amnesty International has reported that USA is the only country that has that type of missiles that were used in the first attack (citing photographs of damaged missiles parts as evidence). Furthermore, on 20 September, 2010, Yemen’s foreign minister acknowledged that USA was behind the December strikes.
One AQAP attack that was widely reported took place on 27 March at a tourism site in the city of Shibam, in the southern province of Hadramut. Four South Korean tourists and their Yemeni guide were killed in a suicide bomb attack, later claimed by AQAP. The group also claimed responsibility for the failed suicide bomb attack on the South Korean delegation that was sent to investigate the first attack. These incidents were, however, recorded by UCDP as one-sided violence against civilians.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2010 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In 2010, the armed conflict between the government of Yemen and AQAP (al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula) escalated significantly. About three times as many people were killed in battle-related violence during the year, compared to 2009. The government’s security forces increased their operations against AQAP and throughout the year, there were a large number of arrests of suspected AQAP-members. In January, the military claimed to have killed one of AQAP’s most senior leaders, Shaykh Abu Hurairah Qasim al-Rimi, but this was later denied by AQAP. At the same time, President Salih stated that he was open for talks with AQAP, on the condition that they renounced violence.
AQAP in turn increased their attacks on government targets in the southern parts of the country. The government frequently accused SMM (Southern Mobility Movement, a loosely organised umbrella group calling for an independent South Yemen) for being affiliated with AQAP. However, although AQAP has expressed support for the group, there was no evidence for any cooperation in 2010 (nor in 2009).
AQAP also threatened and conducted several attacks on foreign people and instalments. In early January, the UK, US and French embassies in the capital of Sanaa closed following threats from the group. A few months later, on 26 April, the UK Ambassador to Yemen Timothy Torlot, escaped an assassination attempt unharmed when his convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber in the capital. The attack was later claimed by AQAP.
In 2010, the international focus on Yemen increased significantly. Following the failed bombing attempt of an airliner heading to Detroit, USA, on 25 December 2009, which was later claimed by AQAP, there has been growing concern that AQAP will continue to strengthen its positions and pose an increasing threat outside Yemen. In this light, a one-day summit on Yemen was held in London on 27 January. The conference was attended by the foreign minister of Yemen, foreign ministers from the G-8 countries and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) as well as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The conference resulted in a pledge to support the government of Yemen’s efforts to fight AQAP, as well as other forms of terrorism. A further conference was held in Saudi Arabia on 27-28 February.
The US authorisation for CIA to capture or kill the AQAP-linked Anwar al-Awlaki (who has been linked to the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and the failed airliner bombing in late 2009) sparked Yemeni protest against US intervention in Yemen. The government rejected any US involvement in this matter, stating that the Yemeni constitution prohibits any extradition of Yemeni citizens to other countries.
On 24 May, the tribal governor of Ma’rib province, Jaber Ali al-Shabwani, was accidently killed in an US drone airstrike during a mediation session, on the behalf of the government, with an AQAP member (see secondary warring party for more information on USA’s involvement). Several of the governor’s bodyguards were also killed while the AQAP member managed to escape. The governor’s tribe responded by attacking a number of installations and oil pipes. Several people were killed in the subsequent clashes. The government of Yemen eventually engaged in tribal mediation and paid reportedly 4.5 million dollars in “blood money”.
A series of clashes took place during the summer months. On 19 June, AQAP members attacked a government building in Aden, killing 11 people. Several detainees were freed in the attack. AQAP later stated that the attack was conducted in revenge for an attack on one of their strongholds. A large number of arrests followed the attack. Further AQAP attacks against government buildings took place in July, this time in the southern town of Zinjibar, resulting in several dead. In September, dozens of AQAP members besieged the southern town of Hawta. Up to 15 000 inhabitants were reported to have fled days of heavy fighting (and in the turmoil, several AQAP members managed to escape government troops).
Yemen and AQAP received renewed international attention when parcels containing explosives were discovered on two cargo airliners bound for the USA on the 29 October. The parcels were discovered in the UK and in the United Arab Emirates. Both parcels had been sent from Yemen by AQAP.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The estimated number of battle-related deaths in the dyad of the Yemeni government and AQAP (al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula) in 2010 was set to 175, with a low estimate of 149 and a high estimate of 244. Identifying the actors involved in clashes in Yemen is considerably difficult since the government often attribute attacks to AQAP, even though there is not sufficient evidence. The high estimate includes attacks with references to “suspected al-Qaida members” where there are not sufficient indicators, such as location or tactics, to verify the claim.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2011 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In 2011, the armed conflict between the government of Yemen and AQAP (al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula) escalated drastically. The estimated number of battle-related deaths in 2011 was 1140, compared to 149 in 2010. Furthermore, given the relatively few detailed reports about civilian fatalities in connection to the battles of the urban areas, which displaced tens of thousands of people, it is possible that the number of battle-related deaths in 2011 was even higher.
Throughout the year, the southern governorate of Abyan saw the clear majority of the clashes between government troops, eventually joined by local tribes, and AQAP. On 26 March, AQAP militants seized the town of Jaar in the southwestern parts of Abyan governorate and immediately began to impose a strict sharia rule. The proclamation of an “Islamic Emirate of Abyan” soon began to appear on jihadist web forums.
AQAP continued to gain ground and in late May the capital of the Abyan governorate, Zinjibar, was captured by militants. Residents of Zinjibar claimed that the group met little resistance from the army, and large parts of the military did indeed leave when the city came under attack. However, when capturing Zinjibar, AQAP militants failed to take control of the army base just outside the city, which housed the only military brigade that remained in the area when Zinjibar was attacked. The fighting over Zinjibar and other towns that had been seized by AQAP raged throughout the summer. In September, the army stated that it had managed to push the militants back and that Zinjibar would soon be cleared of the few remaining militants. However, fighting in and around the city continued for the remaining part of 2011.
As the AQAP militants gained ground in the Abyan governorate during the spring and summer months, many of the local tribes joined the army in fighting the militants. The decision of the tribes to support the army was decisive in eventually pushing back large parts of the militants, not the least given the general state of the Yemeni army. In response to the growing number of people killed in the demonstrations against Saleh in the light of the Arab Spring, high-ranking soldiers had withdrawn their support for Saleh. This led to a deeply dived army; some fought against AQAP, some joined the protesters, others remained loyal to the government and participated in the violent crackdown on the protesters and some engaged in fighting with Huthi tribe in northern Yemen (see the non-state category of violence for more information about the tribe).
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Yemen in early January 2011 to further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries against AQAP. This was the first visit to Yemen by a US Secretary of State in more two decades. However, in light of the Arab Spring, calls for Saleh’s resignation were soon voiced by many Yemenis. Thousands of protesters held largely peaceful demonstrations in Sanaa, Aden and Taiz, but were met with lethal violence from government forces and regime supporters. In response to the growing number of people killed in the demonstrations, USA eventually urged Saleh to accept the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) brokered deal outlining his resignation. After several broken promises by Saleh, he finally signed such an agreement on 23 November. By this act, Saleh promised, in return for an amnesty, to relinquish all presidential powers by February 2012, when Vice-President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi would be elected interim President for a two-year period (for more information about the protests in Yemen in 2011, see the UCDP category of one-sided violence).
It should however be noted that even though USA eventually urged Saleh to resign, the two governments continued to cooperate in the fight against AQAP. Throughout the year, USA conducted a number of drone attacks on Yemeni soil against AQAP-members, the most well-reported being the attack that killed the US-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki on 30 September. The Yemeni government has denied any direct US involvement in the fight against AQAP. However, on 14 June, Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, stated that USA in fact were carrying out operations in Yemen.
It was widely reported in 2011 that it was the al-Qaida-linked group which presented itself as “Ansar al-Sharia” that had seized control of the city of Zinjibar and some nearby towns. However, in an interview in April 2011, Abu Zubayr Adl al-Abab, a prominent member of AQAP, stated that the group had recently adopted this new name in order to inform people of their work and goals. The new name did, however, not replace “al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula” as the group’s formal name.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The estimated number of battle-related deaths in the dyad of the Yemeni government and AQAP (al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula) in 2011 was set to 1140, with a low estimate of 1135 and a high estimate of 1189. The figures for 2011 illustrates the drastic escalation of the armed conflict in 2011, passing the UCDP threshold of “war” (1000 or more battle-related deaths in one year). The majority of the reported battle-related deaths took place in southern Yemen, where AQAP militants for the first time since the group was formed in 2009, seized larger urban areas such as the city of Zinjibar.
There were relatively few detailed reports about civilian fatalities in connection to the battles of the urban areas, which displaced tens of thousands of people. Therefore, it is possible that the number of battle-related deaths was even higher.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2012 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict between the government of Yemen and AQAP escalated drastically in 2012. In May, AQAP carried out a suicide bombing against a rehearsal of a military parade in Sana’a, killing around 100 people. The same month, the Yemeni military launched a large-scale offensive in order to regain control of the areas captured by AQAP in 2011. The Yemeni army regained control of the captured areas in Abyan and Lahij governorates in June and July, following intensive fighting that also displaced tens of thousands of people. During the second half of 2012 AQAP made a strategic shift and focused more on high-profile assassinations and hit-and-run attacks. A large number of high-ranking security officers were killed in these attacks, including the military commander of the Southern Region of Yemen.
The number of US drone attacks against AQAP also increased in 2012, killing several high-ranking AQAP-members, but also civilians.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The conflict between the government of Yemen and AQAP escalated drastically in 2012, with intensive fighting during the spring and summer. The majority of the reported battle-related deaths took place in southern Yemen, mainly in the Abyan governorate. There were relatively few detailed reports about civilian fatalities in connection to the battles of the urban areas, which displaced more than 150 000 thousand people. Therefore, it is possible that the number of battle-related deaths was even higher.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2013 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict between the government of Yemen and AQAP did not pass the UCDP threshold of war (at least 1000 battle-related deaths) in 2013. The fighting followed the strategic pattern that began during the second half of 2012 when AQAP started focusing more on high-profile assassinations and hit-and-run attacks. The shift in tactics came after intense fighting in which the army, heavily supported by local tribes, ousted the group from several strongholds. In 2013, the group also carried out a number of suicide attacks as well as attacks against military bases and checkpoints.
USA continued to carry out drone attacks against AQAP-members, attacks which also claimed civilian lives. Following a drone attack on 12 December on what was reportedly a wedding convoy, the Yemeni parliament issued a non-binding agreement banning the use of drones in Yemen. Two suspected AQAP-members were killed in the attack, along with several civilians.
The co-founder and second-in-command of AQAP, Said Ali al-Shihri, was reportedly killed in a drone attack in northern Yemen in January. His death was later confirmed by AQAP.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The conflict between the government of Yemen and AQAP did not pass the UCDP threshold of war (at least 1000 battle-related deaths) in 2013. The fighting followed the strategic pattern that began during the second half of 2012 when AQAP started focusing more on high-profile assassinations and hit-and-run attacks. The shift in tactics came after intense fighting in which the army, heavily supported by local tribes, ousted the group from several strongholds. In 2013, the group also carried out a number of suicide attacks as well as attacks against military bases and checkpoints. The majority of the reported battle-related deaths took place in southern Yemen, mainly al-Bayda, Abyan, Hadramawt and Shabwah governorates.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2014 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The armed conflict between the government of Yemen and Ansaruallah (also known as the Huthis) dates back to 2003. Since then, the conflict has seen several rounds, shifting between calm periods on the one hand and months of intensive fighting on the other. The conflict has not been included in UCDP data due to the lack of a stated incompatibility. The UCDP definitions states that the incompatibility, or the conflict issue, can be either concerning government (the type of political system, the replacement of the central government or parts of it, etc) or territory (secession or autonomy for intrastate conflicts). Ansaruallah has persistently claimed that the group does not want to overthrow the sitting government. Instead, the group has stated that it wants the government to end what they perceived as socioeconomic injustices and the governments political discrimination of the group and the Huthi tribe, which does not qualify as an incompatibility according to UCDP criteria.
On 9 March 2014, however, the leader of the group, Abd-al-Malik al-Huthi, called on the government to step down. The leader cited what the group perceived as the government’s failure to improve living standards in the country as well as corruption as reasons for its call for resignation. The demand should been understood against the backdrop of the plans to divide the country into federal states as part of an agreement in the National Dialogue Conference (which was initiated in 2013 following former President Salih’s resignation and in which Ansaruallah participated until mid-January 2014) concluded in late January 2014. In February, President Hadi presented a plan to the divide the country into six regions. Ansaruallah immediately criticized the plan arguing that it would create rich and poor regions and leave the Huthi-dominated Sadah region without direct access to the sea and natural resources.
A few days after the leader’s remarks in March, thousands of the group’s supporters marched in Amran town, located between Sadah governorate and the capital, demanding the resignation of the government.
During the early spring of 2014, Ansaruallah advanced south from the Sadah governorate to Amran governorate and also towards the capital Sanaa. The group seized control of Amran town and the governorate with the same name in July.
In mid-August, the group intensified its calls for the government to step down and arranged sit-ins and later on also demonstrations in the capital. The demand was coupled with calls for reinstating the fuel subsidies which had been decreased and subsequently resulted in a 90 percent price increase. Despite the government’s attempts to negotiate with the group as well as agreeing to its main demands, Ansaruallah stayed in the capital. The peaceful protests transformed into armed clashes on 18 September. A few days later, on 21 September, Ansaruallah took control of most of the capital. As the group advanced, many units of the security forces and governmental agencies capitulated, including the Interior Ministry which ordered its personnel to cooperate with Ansaruallah.
The clashes in the capital were mainly between Ansaruallah one the one side and supporters of the powerful Sunni al-Islah party and troops loyal to General al-Ahmar, who were acting on his own rather than on the president’s order. Because of this, most of the clashes in the capital were not included in the Government of Yemen versus Ansaruallah dyad.
The takeover of most of the capital resulted in a peace agreement, known as the “Peace and National Partnership Agreement”. The agreement was facilitated by the UN envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar, and stipulated that President Hadi should dissolve the government, subsequently pushing the al-Islah party out of power. The deal also meant that Ansaruallah, together with the so called “Southern Movement” (a loosely organised separatist group in the south) got broad powers in the new government that was appointed. Furthermore, the agreement included a ceasefire, removal of the protest camps in the capital and its surroundings, and a lowering of fuel prices.
The new government was formed in November with Khalid Bahah as prime minister. Despite the fulfilment of Ansaruallah’s demands, the group kept its troops in the capital. Also, the group unilaterally appointed regional governors and halted the appointment of a new army chief of staff.
While the fighting in the state-based conflict in 2014 was between the Yemeni government and Ansaruallah received a lot of attention, the lion’s share of the violence took place between the government and AQAP (al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula). AQAP carried out a number of targeted assassinations, hit-and-run attacks, and suicide bombings. USA continued to carry out drone attacks against AQAP-members
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The estimated death toll is the sum total of the deaths in the Government of Yemen versus AQAP-, and Government of Yemen versus Ansaruallah dyads.
In 2014, the armed conflict between the government of Yemen and AQAP escalated and passed the UCDP threshold of war (at least 1000 battle-related deaths in one year). AQAP carried out a number of targeted assassinations, hit-and-run attacks, and suicide bombings. USA continued to carry out drone attacks against AQAP-members.
Also in 2014, several rounds of intense fighting as well as government bombardment of Ansaruallah targets took place. The clashes in the capital in September 2014 were mainly between Ansaruallah and supporters of the al-Islah party and troops loyal to General al-Ahmar, who were acting on his own rather than on the President’s order. Because of this, most of the clashes in the capital were not included in the dyad between the Government of Yemen and Ansaruallah
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: Negotiations were held between Government of Yemen and Ansaruallah during September as Ansaruallah increased its presence in the capital. Following Ansaruallah’s takeover of most of the capital on 21 September, new negotiations were held and which resulted in a peace agreement (known as the “Peace and National Partnership Agreement”), facilitated by the UN envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: UN
Comment on Third Party Involvement: The Peace and National Partnership Agreement was signed in 2014 by the Government of Yemen, Ansaruallah, and representatives of the main political parties in Yemen. The agreement was facilitated by the UN envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2015 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In 2015, the violence escalated drastically. The peace agreement from September 2014 collapsed in January when Ansarallah ousted the government led by President Hadi and took control of the capital. According to UCDP definitions, Ansarallah was then seen as the Government of Yemen. Hadi was put under house arrest and resigned on 22 January. Following Ansarallah’s capture of Sanaa, security forces in Aden governorate declared that it would no longer take orders from the capital.
Ansarallah established a revolutionary council and a parliamentary body with the task of electing a presidential council. These actions were heavily criticized by Yemen’s political parties, the UN Security Council and many countries closed down there embassies. Anti-Ansarallah demonstrations were held in Sanaa and in some of the central governorates.
Hadi managed to escape to Aden in February. On 21 February he stated that all measures taken by Ansarallah (Government of Yemen) were “null and illegitimate”. Hadi retracted his resignation and resumed the position as president. While his government was the internationally recognized one, due to above stated definitions, Forces of Hadi was seen as a non-state actor.
As government forces (Ansarallah) starts advancing south, a Saudi-led coalition on 26 March launched airstrikes against the Government of Yemen (Ansarallah). The stated goal was to reinstate Hadi’s government. The coalition later also sent in ground troops in Yemen.
The Saudi-led airstrikes strained the relations with Iran which supports the Government of Yemen. The tensions escalated in May when Iranian ships made several attempts to break a naval blockade of Yemen and deliver what was claimed to be humanitarian supplies.
Clashes and airstrikes have taken place at numerous places in Yemen, including in around the major cities of Sanaa, Aden and Taiz, as well as along the Yemeni-Saudi border. A number of cross-border attacks took place throughout the year, killing many civilians. The clashes in and around Taiz (Yemen’s third largest city) intensified during the second half of 2015.
The war has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population and NGO:s have accused both the Government of Yemen and Forces of Hadi, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, of committing war crimes. Médecins Sans Frontières on 26 claimed that one of their field hospitals in Saada (northern Yemen) was destroyed by collation airstrikes.
A number of UN-led negotiations have been held throughout the year, but with limited success. Several cease fire agreements have been negotiated but all have broken down within a number of days.
At the same time as the Government of Yemen and Forces of Hadi have been involved in heavy clashes, AQAP has strengthened its positions in eastern Yemen. The group asserted control over Mukalla town in early April. The group has also carried out several car and suicide bombings. A large part of the clashes stood between Forces of Hadi and AQAP, see the non-state conflict for more information.
A territorial conflict involving Islamic State (IS) also became active in 2015. For more information on that conflict, see “Yemen (North Yemen): Islamic State”.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2016 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In 2016, intense fighting between the Government of Yemen (Ansarallah) and Forces of Hadi continued. Despite several rounds of negotiations and ceasefire agreements, the parties failed to agree on a peace agreement and to halt the ongoing fighting. The Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out airstrikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: Intense fighting between the Government of Yemen and Forces of Hadi, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, continued throughout the year. It should be noted that the battle related death estimates should be seen as conservative low, due to lack of credible reporting from many parts of the country.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2017 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict over government between the Government of Yemen and Forces of Hadi continued unabated in 2017. The Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out airstrikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi. The conflict has taken an enormous toll on the civilian population and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) described Yemen as "the world's single largest humanitarian crisis", with over 20 million people in need of aid.
Terminated: NO
2018 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict over government between the Government of Yemen and Forces of Hadi continued unabated in 2018. The Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out air strikes against the Government of Yemen, in support of Forces of Hadi. Heavy clashes took place in particular around the port city Hudaydah and in the northern Sadah province. The parties met for peace negotiations in Sweden on 6-13 December, which ended in the signing of the Stockholm Agreement. The agreement included a ceasefire around Hudaydah, which came into effect on 18 December. Despite this, a few minor clashes occurred around the city and there were also clashes in other parts of the country.
In addition, Government of Yemen and AQAP clashed on numerous occasions, in particular in al-Bayda and ad-Dali provinces.
Terminated: NO
Type of termination: Not terminated
2019 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The conflict over government between the Government of Yemen and Forces of Hadi continued in 2019. The number of recorded battle-related deaths in Yemen decreased markedly in 2019 compared to 2018. This was in part due to the UN-brokered peace talks between the Government of Yemen and Forces of Hadi in Sweden in December 2018. While some steps to implement the agreement was taken, such as exchange of prisoners, other parts of the agreement stalled. The SAU-led coalition conducted fewer airstrikes in 2019 compared to 2018 and the number of fatalities due to fighting in and around the coastal city of Hodeida decreased markedly in 2019. Despite the de-escalation, clashes continued throughout the year in Yemen and the civilian impact remains disastrous. Furthermore, access to reliable information about the number of fatalities remains limited and the numbers should be seen as conservative lows.
For information about clashes in 2019 involving non-state actors such as AQAP, IS, and STC, please see the non-state violence section.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: Access to reliable information about the number of fatalities remains limited and the numbers should be seen as conservative lows.
Terminated: NO
Type of termination: Not terminated
2020 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
2021 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Terminated: NO
2022 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: Negotiations mainly focused on establishing and prolonging a ceasefire agreement that was agreed upon in April 2022 under UN mediation.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
Type of termination: Not terminated
2023 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
2024 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
2025 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
