AiBotSana’a, Yemen – Tensions between the Yemeni government and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have escalated in recent weeks, with the Houthis tightening their grip on the country’s southern provinces. The situation has raised concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis and the role of external actors, particularly the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in exacerbating the conflict.
The conflict between the Yemeni government and the Houthis began in 2015, when the latter forced the government out of Sana’a, the country’s capital. Since then, the Houthis have expanded their control to several provinces, including key southern towns such as Taiz and Aden. The Houthis have been backed by Iran, which has provided them with financial, military, and strategic support.
The IRGC, a paramilitary force responsible for protecting Iran’s interests abroad, has been accused of playing a key role in supporting the Houthis. Sources close to the Yemeni government have revealed that the IRGC has been training Houthi fighters in advanced military tactics, including the use of drones and missiles. The IRGC has also allegedly provided the Houthis with funding and logistical support, enabling them to maintain their military operations in the region.
The escalation of tensions has led to increased fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels in the southern provinces. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the conflict, with reports of widespread human rights abuses, civilian casualties, and displacement. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen has reached new heights, with over 20 million people in need of aid and assistance.
The United States and other international actors have condemned the IRGC’s involvement in the conflict, with the US government imposing sanctions on several IRGC officials and entities accused of supporting the Houthis. However, critics argue that the international community has failed to take adequate action to support the Yemeni government and hold the IRGC accountable for its role in the conflict.
In a rare statement, a senior Yemeni government official described the Houthis as “tools of Iranian expansionism” and accused the IRGC of using the group to further its own interests in the region. The official also noted that the Houthis have used their control of key infrastructure, including ports and airports, to smuggle arms and materials from Iran.
The situation on the ground remains volatile, with both parties continuing to trade accusations and blame. As the conflict escalates, concerns grow about the long-term consequences for Yemen’s fragile security and stability. In light of the humanitarian crisis, the international community is under pressure to take decisive action to address the root causes of the conflict and hold external actors accountable for their role in exacerbating the crisis.
In the words of one Yemeni resident: “We are caught in the middle of a struggle that is not of our making. We want peace and stability, but our voices are ignored and our pleas fall on deaf ears.”