Why is Saudi Arabia invading Yemen?

The conflict has its roots in the failure of a political process supposed to bring stability to Yemen following an uprising in 2011 that forced its long-time authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

How strong is the Saudi army?

Saudi Arabia has the world’s ninth largest defense budget. International Institute for Strategic Studies estimates in 2017 listed a total of 127,000 personnel (75,000 RSLF; 13,500 Navy; 20,000 Air Force; 16,000 Air Defense; and Strategic Missile Forces 2,500).

Is Yemen an oil rich country?

Overview. Although Yemen is not a major hydrocarbon producer relative to several other countries in the Middle East, the country has sufficient oil and natural gas resources for both domestic demand and exports.

How trustworthy is Unicef?

UNICEF USA has been vetted by GlobalGiving, and has achieved Superstar status for demonstrating the highest level of engagement and/or effectiveness over the past year. Our program expense ratio of 88.4 percent means we are a highly efficient charity, as defined by independent monitors.

Why did Saudi Arabia attack Yemen?

The rise of Yemen’s Houthi rebels Alarmed by the rise of a group they believed to be backed militarily by regional Shia power Iran, Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Arab states began an air campaign aimed at defeating the Houthis, ending Iranian influence in Yemen and restoring Mr Hadi’s government.

What is the Yemen conflict and why does it matter?

What happens in Yemen can greatly exacerbate regional tensions. It also worries the West because of the threat of attacks – such as from al-Qaeda or IS affiliates – emanating from the country as it becomes more unstable. The conflict is also seen as part of a regional power struggle between Shia-ruled Iran and Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia.

Is the UAE pulling out of Yemen?

In July 2019, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key ally of Saudi Arabia in the war, facing international criticism of its conduct, announced a withdrawal of its forces from Yemen. In August]

Why did the Saudi-led coalition tighten its blockade on Yemen?

The launch of a ballistic missile towards Riyadh in November 2017 prompted the Saudi-led coalition to tighten its blockade of Yemen.