News has emerged about a recent ballistic missile attack launched by Houthis on the Saudi capital of Riyadh. However, this attack was thwarted by the Saudi-led coalition that is currently engaging Yemen’s Iranian-aligned Houthi group.
The Underlying Reasons for the Recent Attack
The Houthis are gaining momentum and have made significant advances on the ground, particularly in the Jawf province along the Saudi border. This strategic positioning allows them to launch an imminent assault on Marib city, the last northern stronghold of the Yemeni government. Iran plays a significant role in Houthi decision making, underlining its interest in keeping the Saudi kingdom embroiled within the turmoil in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and Iran have been involved in proxy wars for over four decades since the Iranian revolution, and Yemen is now among the countries caught in this conflict.
Background of the Ongoing Yemen Conflict
Since 2014, Yemen has endured a multifaceted conflict that draws on local, regional, and international actors. The Houthis, a group of Zaidi Shia Muslims who ruled a kingdom in Yemen for almost a millennium, capitalized on widespread dissatisfaction against President Hadi’s postponed elections and his stalled constitution negotiations. Consequently, they moved from Saada province, their stronghold, to the capital Sanaa, surrounding the Presidential Palace and putting President Hadi under house arrest.
Saudi Arabia’s Intervention
In March 2015, when the Houthis threatened to capture Aden—the last government stronghold—Saudi Arabia led a military coalition intervention in Yemen at Hadi’s behest. This intervention triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Ineffective Ceasefire and Resurgence of Houthi Attacks
Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed forces supporting Yemen’s President agreed to a UN-mediated ceasefire in 2018. However, the ceasefire was violated by the Houthi rebels in 2019 when they attacked Saudi Arabia’s Aramco crude oil production.
Concerns Stemming from the Conflict
Yemen’s strategic importance stems from its location along a strait linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, a major route for the world’s oil shipments. Additionally, as the country destabilizes further, potential threats such as attacks from al-Qaeda or IS affiliates are a significant concern. Furthermore, despite efforts by the United States to deescalate the six-year conflict, the Houthis continue to intensify cross-border assaults on Saudi Arabia. This conflict is also often seen as a regional power struggle between Shia-ruled Iran and Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia.
India’s Stake in the Conflict
The current situation in Yemen is a significant challenge for India, particularly considering its oil security and the eight million Indian expats residing in the region, who contribute about USD 80 billion in remittances annually.
India’s Initiatives Amid Conflict
In April 2015, amidst escalating tensions, India launched Operation Rahat, a large-scale air and sea operation to evacuate over 4000 Indian nationals from Yemen. In addition, India has provided humanitarian assistance to Yemen, including food and medical aid. A considerable number of Yemeni nationals have sought and received medical treatment in India over the past few years. Moreover, India continues to facilitate education for many Yemeni nationals in various Indian institutions.
