UPSC Notes

Yemen Civil War

PYQs

11

Articles

4

Momentum

38

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC examines ongoing international conflicts for their causes, actors, humanitarian impact, and geopolitical consequences, including effects on global trade, energy security, and regional stability in the Middle East.

The Yemen Civil War is an ongoing multi-sided conflict that began in 2014, primarily between the internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthi movement, supported by Iran. It is often viewed as a proxy conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with significant regional and international implications.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Main Actors

Houthi rebels (Iran-backed) vs. Yemeni government (Saudi-led coalition-backed).

Strategic Importance

Conflict impacts critical maritime routes like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and global oil supplies.

Humanitarian Crisis

One of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with widespread displacement, famine, and casualties.

Ceasefire Breakdown

A 2022 UN-brokered ceasefire largely halted fighting but has recently broken down, leading to renewed escalation.

Primary Belligerents

Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) vs. Yemeni government (supported by Saudi-led coalition).

Key External Actors

Iran (supporting Houthis), Saudi Arabia, UAE (supporting government coalition).

Humanitarian Impact

One of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with widespread displacement, famine, and disease.

Geopolitical Significance

Impacts Red Sea security, global oil supplies, and is a major flashpoint in the Saudi-Iran regional rivalry.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaGeopolitics & International Conflicts
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies
Conceptual areaWest Asia
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
United NationsMediates peace efforts, provides humanitarian aid
Saudi-led CoalitionIntervenes
United StatesProvides support
Houthi rebelsCombatant
Yemeni GovernmentCombatant
International Committee of the Red CrossProvides humanitarian aid
World Food ProgramProvides food aid
United Nations (UN)Mediates ceasefires, provides humanitarian aid, monitors conflict
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Quick revision

  • Proxy conflict: Iran (Houthis) vs. Saudi Arabia (Yemeni Govt).
  • Impacts Bab el-Mandeb Strait & global oil.
  • Major humanitarian crisis (displacement, famine).
  • UN efforts for ceasefire and aid.
  • Escalation threatens regional stability.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Geopolitics & International ConflictsWelfare Schemes & Social PoliciesWest AsiaInternational Relations

Fighting in Yemen intensifies, Houthis launch more attacks on Saudi Arabia

14 Sep 2026 · The Yemen Civil War is a complex proxy conflict between Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi-backed government, causing a severe humanitarian crisis and impacting global energy security and maritime trade routes like Bab el-Mandeb.

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Yemen’s Houthis say they attacked Aramco facility in Riyadh with missiles, drones

04 Oct 2026 · The Yemen Civil War is a complex proxy conflict between Iran-backed Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis and impacting global energy security.

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Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel the Houthis from several areas around key strait, officials say

06 Oct 2026 · A complex civil war in Yemen, characterized by a proxy struggle between a Saudi-led coalition supporting the government and Iran-backed Houthi rebels, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis and impacting regional stability and global maritime routes.

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Iran-backed Houthis strike Saudi oil company Aramco's headquarters, officials say

15 Oct 2026 · The Yemen Civil War is a complex proxy conflict between Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis and regional instability.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 11 linked questions on Yemen Civil War in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Yemen Civil War

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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2024·International Relations
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2023·International Relations
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2024·Geography
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2015·International Relations
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