Crisis Chronology

YEMEN

01/11/2024

US and UK bomb multiple targets in Yemen, primarily sites involving drones and missiles in retaliation for Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

12/20/2023

US announces ten-nation coalition to counter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The Houthi attacks have been highly popular in Yemen, helping it to recruit new adherents.

12/11/2023

Cruise missile claimed to be launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen strikes Norwegian tanker in the Red Sea.

11/26/2023

US seizes Houthis who captured Israeli ship in the Red Sea.

11/02/2023

Houthis declare war on Israel. Yemen still has two competing “governments”, neither in full control of the country. One is the Iran-backed Government of National Salvation, based in the capital Sanaa, which controls most of the territory. The other “government” notionally resides in the southern port of Aden, but its members spend their days in Riyadh, still claiming to be sole legitimate rulers. Somewhat surprisingly, in March of this year Riyadh and Tehran responded to Chinese-Iraqi mediation efforts and re-established diplomatic relations after seven years. It is likely that both states wanted to defuse tensions in Yemen, but also to use the relaxation to pursue their other strategic interests. Saudi Arabia had a big plan to normalize relations with Israel. Against this backdrop, the Hamas attack of October 7 on southern Israel was an unpleasant upset for Saudi Arabia. Within days, it reportedly told the US that it was halting plans for the proposed deal with Israel that Washington was trying to mediate.

10/31/2023

Yemen Houthis make a confirmed air strike at the Israeli port on the Red Sea.

10/01/2023

Recent attacks by Houthis jeopardize a de facto ceasefire.

03/20/2023

Prisoner swap of hundreds of families between Houthis and Yemeni government.

03/06/2023

International observers express optimism that the 2022 8-month truce can be extended as mediation efforts and direct talks widen.

10/02/2022

Houthis and Yemeni government fail to reach agreement to extend the ceasefire.

09/23/2022

Israel to supply the UAE with air defense systems for protection against Houthi attacks.

06/01/2022

Saudi Arabian coalition and Houthis agree to extend truce for two months. Negotiations making little progress.

05/06/2022

The truce seems to be generally holding.

04/28/2022

Saudi Arabia announces it will release 163 Houthi prisoners as part of a humanitarian initiative.

04/20/2022

The new governing council is sworn in in Aden, although it is not yet clear whether it will reside in Aden or in Saudi Arabia.

04/07/2022

Hadi transfers powers

President Hadi transfers his powers to the new Presidential Leadership Council and dismisses Vice President Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, an Islamist-leaning general, who is resented by the Houthis for military campaigns in their northern stronghold and by some southerners for his role in the 1994 north-south civil war. Saudi Arabia pledges $3 billion in aid for the country. The leadership council will be headed by Rashad al-Alimi, an adviser to Hadi and former interior minister with the government of late President Ali Abdullah Saleh. There are The council has seven other members, all of whom have political and military influence on the ground in Yemen, including Aydarous al-Zubaidi, head of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council — an umbrella group of heavily armed and well-financed militias supported by the UAE since 2015, and Sheikh Sultan al-Aradah, the powerful governor of energy-rich Marib province, and Tariq Saleh, who has close ties with the UAE and is a militia leader and nephew of Ali Abdullah Saleh.

04/07/2022

Hadi transfers powers

President Hadi transfers his powers to the new Presidential Leadership Council and dismisses Vice President Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, an Islamist-leaning general, who is resented by the Houthis for military campaigns in their northern stronghold and by some southerners for his role in the 1994 north-south civil war. Saudi Arabia pledges $3 billion in aid for the country. The leadership council will be headed by Rashad al-Alimi, an adviser to Hadi and former interior minister with the government of late President Ali Abdullah Saleh. There are The council has seven other members, all of whom have political and military influence on the ground in Yemen, including Aydarous al-Zubaidi, head of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council — an umbrella group of heavily armed and well-financed militias supported by the UAE since 2015, and Sheikh Sultan al-Aradah, the powerful governor of energy-rich Marib province, and Tariq Saleh, who has close ties with the UAE and is a militia leader and nephew of Ali Abdullah Saleh.

03/26/2022

Houthis announce three-day ceasefire and offer to make it permanent if the Saudi coalition ceases its military activity in Yemen. This follows a wave of drone and missile attacks in Saudi Arabia and revenge attacks on Sanaa and Hodeidah in Yemen.

01/31/2022

Houthis threaten further missile attacks on UAE.

01/23/2022

Saudi coalition makes multiple airstrikes in Yemen in retaliation for Houthi drone attack on the UAE.

01/23/2022

Houthi missile attack, continuing the recent escalation of the war, thwarted by US and UAE.

01/16/2022

Houthi drone strikes UAE, setting oil tankers on fire and killing three. Saudi coalition retaliates.

01/10/2022

Pro-government militia, Giants Brigade, backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, says it has taken control of the oil producing Shabwah Province.

11/11/2021

Houthis breach US embassy in Sanaa and take several hostages.

09/14/2021

Houthis, showing renewed strength, recapture Rahabah and attack Marib, the last government-controlled city.

06/29/2021

Omani negotiators working with Saudi Arabia and Yemeni Houthis on a peace agreement.

04/23/2021

Houthis advancing on Marib, a key gateway to Yemen’s oil and gas wealth. They have taken encouragement from the US’s decision to take them off the terrorist list. The UAE supports the Hadi government, but gains trade from instability because it shifts shipping from Aden to Dubai.

03/22/2021

Saudi Arabia proposes a cease-fire in Yemen that would allow for the Sanaa airport to reopen. Houthis reject the proposal, calling for a complete lifting of the blockade of the Sanaa airport and the Hodeidah port.

03/22/2021

Saudi Arabia proposes a cease-fire in Yemen that would allow for the Sanaa airport to reopen. Houthis reject the proposal, calling for a complete lifting of the blockade of the Sanaa airport and the Hodeidah port.

03/16/2021

Protestors storm presidential palace in Aden, angry over lack of services and poor living conditions, and economic decline. They were removed peacefully.

03/07/2021

Saudi coalition launches air strikes against Houthis.

03/07/2021

Saudi coalition launches air strikes against Houthis.

03/06/2021

Houthis attack Saudi oil facility.

02/04/2021

US ends support of Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen.

07/13/2020

Houthis launch missiles and drones into Saudi Arabia during an overnight attack that hits Saudi warplanes, military installations, an airport and the Jizan oil facility.

06/23/2020

Missiles from Yemen target several Saudi cities.

06/21/2020

The STC announces it has taken control of the island of Socotra. Hadi calls it a coup and the governor of the island denounces Saudi Arabia and the UAE for “turning a blind eye” to the situation.

05/05/2020

Houthi-controlled area of Yemen confirms its first case of COVID-19 and its first death. The government area reports twenty-two cases.

04/29/2020

Saudi cabinet calls on Houthis to abide by peace agreement.

04/27/2020

Saudi coalition rejects Houthis declaration of independence and demands an end to violence and a return to the term sof the peace deal signed last year.

04/27/2020

Southern Transitional Council says it is in complete control of Aden.

04/27/2020

Governors of several south Yemen governates affirm their loyalty to the Hadi government.

04/26/2020

Southern Transitional Council declares an independent state including Aden.

04/24/2020

Saudi coalition extends unilateral cease-fire for a month. No word for Houthis said to reject any further negotiations.

04/10/2020

Yemen confirms its first case of COVID-19.

04/08/2020

Saudi coalition declares unilateral two-week cease-fire in Yemen partly, it says, in response to UN appeal for restriction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/01/2020

Houthis contact Saudi Arabia through intermediaries in an attempt to de-escalate recent military conflict.

03/30/2020

Saudi coalition bombs Sanaa, currently held by Houthis.

03/28/2020

Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi offers to release five Saudi prisoners of war in exchange for the release of dozens of Palestinian activists arrested by the Saudi government.

01/18/2020

Drone and missile attack on a mosque in a government military training camp. The death toll reaches more than 100 intensifying the difficulties of a negotiated settlement.

01/01/2020

The Southern Transitional Council pulls out of committees working to implement a November agreement that would have placed them in the national cabinet and put their forces under government control, saying th move is in response to an outbreak of violence by a rival group, the Al-Islah party.

12/09/2019

Sudan removes most of its troops from Yemen, saying there is no military solution to the conflict there.

12/04/2019

Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Yousuf Bin Alawi, presiding over indirect negotiations between Houthis and Saudi Arabia, says both sides agree it is time to end the conflict.

11/20/2019

Houthis release Saudi and South Korean ships captured recently.

11/14/2019

Saudi Arabia and Houthis conducting indirect talks on peace in Yemen.

11/05/2019

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government signs power-sharing agreement with UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). Their militaries will be combined, a new cabinet with equal numbers of ministers from both sides will be named, and Hadi will be able to return to the country and its provisional capital, Ataq.

10/13/2019

Government says that Saudi troops have taken control of Aden from the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.

09/28/2019

Houthis say they have captured more than 2000 Saudi coalition fighters in an attack on Saudi territory.

09/14/2019

Drone attacks by Houthis destroy major oil refineries in Saudi Arabia, cutting its oil production in half. US and SAudi Arabia blame Iran for the attacks. Iran denies this. Houthis claim responsibility but there is conflicting evidence.

09/03/2019

UN report says US, UK, and France may be complicit in possible war crimes by Saudi Arabia in Yemen.

08/28/2019

Hadi government says it has regained control of Aden.

08/11/2019

Saudi forces intervene, and the STC says it will not “negotiate under duress” with their nominal ally.

08/10/2019

Forces of the Southern Separatist Movement capture Aden from the Hadi government military according to reports by the Security Belt, a militia aligned with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council. Hadi calls it a coup, though the STC had been supporting the Hadi government. Hadi remains in Saudi Arabia. In July, the UAE had pulled all its forces out of Aden, and attacks by the Houthis on the Security Belt had created tensions with the Hadi forces.

08/08/2019

Fighting in Aden between Security Belt militia and the Hadi military.

07/07/2019

UAE pulling some troops out of Yemen.

05/21/2019

Houthis carry out a second drone attack in Saudi Arabia.

05/11/2019

Houthis withdraw from several ports as part of the UN-brokered cease-fire to end the blockade of Yemen.

04/19/2019

US Pres Trump vetoes bill that would end US funding for Yemen war.

03/13/2019

US Senate votes to end US support for the war in Yemen. The House of Representatives must now vote on the bill. Trump has vowed to veto it.

01/08/2019

Peace in Hodeida collapsing as both sides argue over specifics of turning over Houthi-occupied areas of the city.

12/17/2018

Relative calm in Hodeida.

12/13/2018

UN reports that Houthis and Saudi coalition have reached a ceasefire agreement about Hodeidah and another city, Taiz.

12/13/2018

Continuing discussions initiated by the Saudis about a regional alliance of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

12/06/2018

Yemen peace talks begin in Sweden.

12/03/2018

Some wounded Houthis to be evacuated from Yemen by the UN as a way of building confidence about peace talks, which are expected to be held in Sweden, although there is no date set yet.

12/03/2018

Some wounded Houthis to be evacuated from Yemen by the UN as a way of building confidence about peace talks, which are expected to be held in Sweden, although there is no date set yet.

11/15/2018

Saudis call halt advance on Hodeida.

11/11/2018

Saudi-led coalition making progress in the assault and Hodeida.

10/31/2018

Following US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on 10/30 and US Secretary of Defense on 10/27, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jeremy Hunt calls for a ceasefire in the Yemen war.

09/08/2018

Houthis, concerned about security, do not attend Geneva talks on Yemen and the talks are called off.

08/28/2018

UN report suggests that all sides in the Yemen conflict may have committed war crimes.

08/05/2018

Saudi-led coalition said to have made deals with Al-Qaeda fighters to leave key cities in Yemen, which it then touted as military victories.

07/31/2018

Houthis unilaterally halt attacks in the Red Sea for two weeks to support peace efforts, saying the halt could be extended and expanded. The Houthis attacked two Saudi oil tankers, impelling Saudi Arabia to suspend shipments in the Red Sea until it is safe.

07/17/2018

Attack on Hodeidah continuing with slow progress, despite bombardment that is driving tens of thousands out of the city and worsening the humanitarian tragedy.

07/14/2018

There are reports that a prince, second son of Emir of Fujairah (one of the seven monarchies that make up the UAE, sought refuge in Qatar in 5/18 because he fears for his life in a dispute with the rulers of Abu Dhabi. The man, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad al-Sharqi, has accused the rulers of blackmail and money laundering. He also describes tensions among the emirates about the Yemen war because Abu Dhabi did not consult with the other emirs before committing troops.

06/12/2018

Saudi-led coalition begins major attack to retake Hodeidah. If the port city is taken, most of the supplies shipped to Sanaa will be cut off, which would likely exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in rebel-held territory.

01/30/2018

Government reportedly preparing to leave Aden as separatists take over more of the city.

01/29/2018

Separatists take over some government buildings in fighting with government troops. By end of day, both groups tell their fighters to stand down.

01/28/2018

Separatists take over some government buildings in fighting with government troops. By end of day, both groups tell their fighters to stand down.

01/27/2018

Government bans public gatherings in Aden. Separatists, the Southern Transitional Council (allied with the UAE), had demanded that the government remake the cabinet by 1/28.

01/21/2018

Prime Minister Ahmed bin Daghr announces first budget since 2014.

01/07/2018

Sadeeq Ameen Abu Rass is named leader of the General People’s Congress Party.

01/03/2018

Saudi-led coalition said to have cut a main Houthi supply line in northern Yemen.

01/03/2018

There are reports that Ali Abdullah Saleh’s nephew Tareq is still alive, despite reports of his death, and is living in the UAE.

12/21/2017

Saudi Arabia says it will allow humanitarian aid to Yemen.

12/18/2017

Houthi rocket attack on Riyadh. Iran denies supplying the missile.

12/04/2017

Hadi orders government forces to retake Sana’a.

12/04/2017

Saudi-led coalition bombs Houthi positions in Sana’a.

12/04/2017

Saleh killed

Saleh is killed in an attack by Houthis.

12/03/2017

Saudi forces bomb positions in Sana’a in support of Saleh.

12/02/2017

Former president Saleh, whose camp has been fighting with the Houthis, says that he ready to negotiate with the opposing side, supported by the Saudi coalition, while fighting continues. There are reports that the UAE convinced Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman that breaking the Houthi-Saleh alliance would end the war.

11/24/2017

Saudi Arabia allows UN to resume flights to Yemen.

11/13/2017

Saudi Arabia says it will reopen Yemen ports, but objects to the characterization of their move being a blockade.

11/09/2017

Saudi blockade of Yemen creating possibility of catastrophic famine, UN says.

11/06/2017

Saudis bar Hadi, whose government is in Riyadh, from returning to Yemen, at the demand of the UAE.

11/05/2017

Saudi Arabia declares that the missile fired from Yemen is an act of war by Hezbollah and faults the government of Lebanon for failing to stop aggression by its military arm.

11/05/2017

After a missile is intercepted near Riyadh, Saudi coalition bombs areas near Sanaa heavily and blocks all its land, sea, and air ports.

07/21/2017

Yemen cholera epidemic is now the most severe in the world, and there is increasing threat of widespread famine. The war remains at a stalemate, though bombing by the Saudi coalition continues, causing civilian deaths on a regular basis.

06/17/2017

Hadi government accepts UN plan to operate peacefully one port to receive aid. Houthis skeptical.

06/05/2017

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, Yemen, and Libya cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and Iranian-backed militants. They blockade Qatar, blocking even food and medical supplies, contrary to humanitarian norms. Iran says USA orchestrated the move during a recent trip to the region by Pres. Trump.

05/17/2017

Rebels in Sana’a declare state of emergency due to cholera epidemic throughout Yemen.

03/26/2017

Houthis sentence President Hadi to death on second anniversary of air strikes against them in Yemen by Saudi-led forces.

03/15/2017

US court issues temporary restraining order halting second travel ban.

03/06/2017

US issues revised travel and immigration order that eliminates Iraq from the countries from which immigrants are barred, removes the indefinite ban on Syrian refugees, and removes language about religious minorities, but still suspends entry of refugees for 120 days. Countries whose immigrants are still banned for 90 days are Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia.

03/02/2017

US carries out dozens of drone airstrikes against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen.

02/07/2017

Following failed American special forces raid, Yemen suspends permission for US to conduct missions there.

01/30/2017

Houthi forces attack a Royal Saudi Navy frigate off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea, killing at least two sailors and wounding three others.

01/29/2017

US secret raid on Al Qaeda site in Yemen fails badly, killing one US soldier and one or more civilians.

01/27/2017

US Pres. Trump issues executive order on foreign nationals holding visas or applying for visas to the US. The visa process will be reviewed; individuals from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia are temporarily barred entry for 90 days, whether they hold a valid visa or not, so that the policy can be reviewed. It announces that refugees from Syria are detrimental to the US. It suspends immigration into the US for 120 days, and caps total immigration into the US at 50,000 for the year 2017. It prioritizes immigration for those who claim to be victims of religious persecution as long as the person’s religion is a minority in their home country.

01/25/2017

Government forces surround Houthis in port city of Mokha.

12/18/2016

Islamic State proclaims responsibility for an attack on security forces on this day. A similar attack occurred elsewhere earlier this month. Jihadists are taking advantage of military stalemate between Houthis and their allies and the Yemeni government and their allies.

12/13/2016

Concerned about Yemen, the US blocks an arms sale to Saudi Arabia.

11/18/2016

Saudi-led coalition announces 48-hour cease-fire in Yemen.

11/13/2016

Continuing bombing by Saudis is showing little progress, but devastating the civilian society.

10/23/2016

Saudi air attacks resume.

10/18/2016

After appeal by US and UK, President Hadi approves ceasefire, initially for 72 hours. Houthis do not immediately respond.

10/12/2016

US warship fires on radar stations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen after two instances of missiles being fired at the ship from areas controlled by Houthi rebels.

09/12/2016

War drags on, but government troops are deserting because they are not being paid. The Saudi money that would pay them is being delivered very slowly, Yemeni military commanders say.

08/24/2016

Fighting continues with severity unabated and Saudis continue bombing.

04/26/2016

Both sides agree to continue negotiations.

04/24/2016

Government troops retake key city, Al Mukalla, held by more than a year by Al Qaeda. Peace talks continue.

04/11/2016

Truce begins, with some breaks, but seems to be generally holding.

03/23/2016

Rebels and government agree to a truce beginning 4/11 followed by peace talks.

03/09/2016

Saudi spokesman announces a humanitarian pause in the fighting.

03/08/2016

Houthis begin talks with Saudi Arabia.

02/24/2016

EU adopts resolution calling for European countries to no longer sell arms to Saudi Arabia because of its war in Yemen.

02/24/2016

UAE pulls its troops out of Yemen due to heavy casualties and friction with local Aden fighters.

01/07/2016

Iran initially says that a Saudi coalition airstrike in Yemen hit the Iranian embassy in Sana’a, but after eyewitnesses report no damage to the embassy, the government news agency says that a missile landed near the embassy.

12/20/2015

Talks end without progress, though the UN envoy says they will resume in January.

12/15/2015

Increasing attacks by the Islamic State in Yemen. Negotiations in Geneva begin. The Saudi forces call a seven-day unilateral cease-fire.

12/07/2015

Peace talks between government and Houthis to begin in Switzerland next week. UN representative says both sides seem willing to accept a cease-fire agreement.

12/06/2015

Islamic State takes responsibility for killing the governor of Aden state. Sunni extremists, both allied with Al Qaeda and with the Islamic State, seem to be increasing in strength.

12/02/2015

Al Qaeda allies take two towns in Yemen.

11/24/2015

Increasing use of mercenaries from South America and elsewhere by Arab governments in Yemen. United Arab Emirates sending 450 mercenaries, mainly Colombians, and Saudis have sent Sudanese.

10/19/2015

Government agrees to join UN negotiations with Houthis, who have not agreed to do so.

10/08/2015

Government forces backed by Saudi Arabia continuing advances against Houthis.

09/22/2015

Hadi returns to Yemen, landing in Aden.

09/19/2015

Saudi-led coalition bombs government buildings and residences in Sana’a, a World Heritage site. Increased airstrikes in recent days may presage a ground invasion.

09/12/2015

Government pulls out of talks.

09/11/2015

Houthis seize control of four Saudi airbases.

09/10/2015

Rebels and government agree to talks brokered by UN envoy. While it does not include a formal ceasefire, the Houthis have agreed to pull out of some cities.

07/17/2015

Hadi government regains Aden

Government forces say they have driven Houthis out of Aden.

07/14/2015

The loyalist military, heavily armed by Saudi Arabia, retakes Aden International Airport from Houthi forces.

07/10/2015

Truce is broken almost immediately.

07/09/2015

Government and Houthis agree to a pause in fighting to allow delivery of humanitarian relief.

07/08/2015

Hadi announces that his government and the Houthis have agreed to a truce.

06/30/2015

With the UN preparing to name Yemen one of the worst humanitarian situations in the world (a “level 3” crisis), there is increasing pressure on the Saudis to allow commercial and aid shipping through its blockade.

05/18/2015

Saudi airstrikes resume.

05/12/2015

Truce begins, with sporadic fighting.

05/10/2015

Houthis agree to cease-fire.

05/08/2015

Saudi Arabia says it will institute cease-fire unilaterally on 5/12, and demands that Houthis follow suit. The cease-fire will end immediately if there are any Houthi attacks.

05/07/2015

Saudis propose a five-day truce in Yemen to allow for humanitarian assistance to be delivered.

04/22/2015

Saudis revise description of military campaign in Yemen, saying airstrikes will continue, but only in response to Houthi attacks.

04/21/2015

Saudi Arabia ends military mission in Yemen, saying that it has accomplished its goals. However, the Houthis are still advancing and President Hadi is not restored to power, so the halt is more likely caused by international and US pressure following the civilian deaths.

04/20/2015

US increases its naval presence offshore of Yemen as a further warning to Iran about its shipments of arms to Houthi rebels.

04/20/2015

Saudi airstrike at a military base used by the Houthis near Sana’a causes huge explosion and a score of civilian deaths.

04/16/2015

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula captures southern port city, the fifth-largest city in Yemen, as well as an airport and a military base nearby. The group is also for the first time building relationships with local tribal leaders opposed to the Houthis.

04/16/2015

UN envoy to Yemen resigns after losing support of Gulf nations.

04/15/2015

Iraq criticizes Saudi Arabia for its military offensive in Yemen.

04/06/2015

Saudi Arabia asks Pakistan to join in war against Houthis in Yemen.

04/01/2015

Houthis advance into Aden despite Saudi offensive.

03/31/2015

Steady air attacks have killed scores of civilians, but neither side seems to have gained much of an advantage, generating fears of a protracted struggle.

03/30/2015

Arab coalition blockades Yemen by sea.

03/26/2015

Egypt says it will join in military counterattack against Houthis in Yemen.

03/26/2015

Saudi Arabia increases participation in war

Sudan says it will join the Saudi-led counterattack against Houthis. The two countries are allies. Its President Bashir remains wanted by the International Criminal Court, but continues to travel to allied countries.

03/25/2015

Houthis continue to advance south, driving Hadi out of his residence. Saudis begin military campaign, with unspecified other Gulf countries, against Houthis. Hadi takes refuge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

03/22/2015

Houthis take part of Taiz, third-largest city in Yemen, which had tried to keep apart from the fighting. It was a center of protest against Saleh, and is not far from Aden, in the southwest of Yemen.

03/20/2015

Suicide bombing attack on two Yazidi mosques in Sana’a create greater sectarian enmity, as Sunni-led Islamic State claims responsibility. Heavy fighting in Aden state.

02/26/2015

A leader of the Houthis, Abdel Malik al-Houthi, accuses Saudi Arabia of arming Houthi opponents and attempting to divide Yemen.

02/24/2015

Hadi withdraws his resignation as president.

02/22/2015

Hadi attempts to restore his government from Aden.

02/21/2015

Hadi either escapes or is released by Houthis and returns to his home, Aden, which is generally opposed to the Houthis and is strongly secessionist.

02/20/2015

Houthis and other factions agree to form a government. The House of Representatives (dissolved on 2/6) will remain, but a “people’s transitional council” will be formed to represent minorities including southerners, women, youth, and political groups.

02/12/2015

UN warns of breakdown of government in Yemen as Al Qaeda captures more territory in southern Yemen.

02/11/2015

US and several other western nations close embassies, probably in an attempt to make the leaders of the country agree to form a government.

02/10/2015

Saleh Ali al-Sammad, now the leader of the Houthi government, says he will share power with rivals and discuss relations with US and Saudi Arabia. He may or may not follow the plan announced the previous week, which called for the Houthi revolutionary committees to choose a national council that would replace Parliament, and then select a five-member presidential ruling group.

02/06/2015

Houthis take control

Houthis dissolve parliament and take control of the government.

01/22/2015

Prime Minister Bahah and his cabinet resign, followed by Hadi and his cabinet. It is not clear who is in charge of the government, though Saleh has allied himself with the Houthis.

01/21/2015

Houthis capture Hadi, but he negotiates his own release in return for greater influence in the government.

01/20/2015

Houthis seize president’s palace, having already taken national news agency. Fears of a coup increase. Houthi leader, Abdel Malik al-Houthi, speaks on television, saying that the action is a warning to Hadi to institute political changes faster.

01/19/2015

Houthis and government militia fight outside presidential palace. Army stands aside.

01/07/2015

Al Qaeda fighting back against Houthis; central government increasingly irrelevant.

11/26/2014

Houthis attack and take compound of main rival, the tribal clan Al-Ahmar (also designated the Ahmar clan). The Hadi government is looking increasingly weak.

10/13/2014

Khaled Bahah, the ambassador to the UN, is named prime minister, with the agreement of the Houthis.

10/07/2014

Houthis reject president’s choice for the new prime minister, Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak.

09/21/2014

Houthis storm government buildings, media, and military bases. Loyalty of the military is split and prime minister resigns. President Hadi agrees to a ceasefire with the rebels and the formation of a “technocratic national government.” Rebels appear to have more power than the government at this point. Some believe the Houthis are being directed by Iran.

09/13/2014

Though negotiators are near a deal, protests in the streets turn violent, threatening to disrupt the agreement.

09/02/2014

Hadi dismisses his government and calls for a national unity government and the return of fuel subsidies. Houthis said to reject this, still demanding an entirely new government and full subsidies.

08/25/2014

Houthi rebellion

Shiite protestors, from the Houthi group, demand a new government and new economic policies, greater representation in the group rewriting the constitution, and other measures to increase their influence. The Houthis were a major force in deposing Saleh and fighting Islamist militants. They are Shiites of the Zaydi sect.

02/10/2014

Federal statehood

Yemen formally becomes a federal state, splitting the country into six regions, which will give the south more autonomy. Some southerners still insist on a separate state. The federal system will be part of the new constitution, which will be ratified by a national referendum.

12/05/2013

Major assault on the defense ministry headquarters, probably by Al Qaeda-related group.

04/10/2013

Hadi to purge remaining allies of Saleh from the military hierarchy, including Saleh’s son and two nephews.

02/18/2013

Unclear how the transition is progressing, although it is relatively stable. Hadi rarely speaks in public and has failed to offer new policies. The independence movement in the south is still strong, sectarian tensions are rising in the north and the economy remains in a shambles.

12/19/2012

Hadi orders a sweeping restructuring of the military in an attempt to bring it under control of the government. The decrees replace a nephew of Saleh’s who was head of the central security forces and the counterterrorism unit and breaks up the units led by Saleh’s son, the Republican Guard and the Special Forces.

04/24/2012

The head of the Air Force, Saleh's half-brother, agrees to give up his position.

04/21/2012

Interim government stumbling badly as insurgents intensify campaign and some of Saleh’s appointments in the government refused to leave their offices.

03/04/2012

Islamic militants bombard an army encampment near Zinjibar. Calling themselves Ansar al-Sharia, the militants have taken control of large areas in eastern Yemen.

02/20/2012

Hadi elected president

Hadi is elected president. He will lead a transitional government for two years until a full presidential election can be held.

01/22/2012

Saleh leaves for medical treatment in New York.

01/21/2012

Saleh and family receive immunity from prosecution from Parliament.

12/02/2011

Opposition says it has reached an agreement with Saleh’s party about the composition of the unity government that will lead the country until the presidential election.

11/26/2011

Vice president Hadi names Basindwa to lead interim government and elections to be held on 02/21/12.

11/25/2011

Opposition parties name Mohammed Basindwa to be interim Prime Minister.

11/23/2011

Saleh gives up power

Saleh signs agreement to step down. It calls for him to hand over power to his deputy within 30 days, after a new government passes a law protecting Saleh and his associates from prosecution. Presidential elections to be held within 90 days.

10/30/2011

Airport shelled for by opposition forces.

10/17/2011

Protests increase and become increasingly violent as Saleh hints that he will not leave office.

09/25/2011

Saleh offers no new concessions, but says his deputy remains authorized to sign a transfer of power agreement. Sana’a returns to calm.

09/23/2011

Saleh returned to Yemen, to the surprise of most, and appeals for discussions about a cease-fire.

09/19/2011

Resurgence of violence as many troops defect and battle loyalists.

09/12/2011

Saleh, still in Saudi Arabia for treatment, issues proclamation that Hadi is empowered to discuss transfer of power with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

09/07/2011

For governing party fails for a second time to move the country forward. Moderates, including Vice President Abdrabbu Mansour Hadi, want an immediate transfer of power to the vice president, while the more conservative party members are reluctant to strip Saleh of power. The opposition is too fragmented to have any effect.

08/17/2011

Opposition forms national council, though it is without standing.

08/16/2011

Saleh, having returned from hospital in Saudi Arabia, vows to return to Sana’a and continue as president.

07/19/2011

Mainstream opposition coalition, meeting under the rubric Joint Meeting Parties, says it will set up a National Council for the Forces of the Revolution. A few days ago, youth activists formed a transitional council for the same purpose, to remove Saleh and end violence.

07/07/2011

Protesters losing their determination and optimism in the face of continuing vacuum of leadership and standoff with the government. Saleh appears on television in a pre-recorded address, not moving and speaking with difficulty.

06/07/2011

New reports say that Saleh’s burns are extensive and serious and that he may have a punctured lung, though his life is not in danger. Unrest is growing in Yemen.

06/06/2011

Capital remains calm, though there are clashes elsewhere.

06/05/2011

Saleh’s operation is successful, and a spokesman says he is "in charge." However, it is not certain that the Saudis will let him leave.

06/04/2011

Saleh leaves for medical treatment

Saleh leaves country to have an operation in Saudi Arabia following an attack on the presidential compound that left him wounded. He transfers power to Vice President Abdrabbu Mansour Hadi.

06/02/2011

Fighting continues and the economy is now falling into a shambles. Hostile tribesmen have cut off gas and fuel for the cities from prices are increasing, and the system of corruption is breaking down, causing former loyalists to break away from the government.

05/31/2011

Cease-fire between government forces and competition tribesmen breaks down.

05/27/2011

After opposition tribal militia captures checkpoint north of Sana’a, Yemeni military uses helicopters to try and evict them. Country seems to be moving closer to civil war.

05/24/2011

Street fighting intensifies between government security forces and protesters. Several prominent tribal sheiks came under fire as they arrived to help mediate the conflict and at least two were reported killed. Many fear that the struggle could become a fight between the president and tribesmen in opposition to him allied with the Ahmar family, leaders of Yemen's most powerful tribal confederation, known as Hashid. Largest tribes were on the brink of rebellion and the economy is collapsing.

05/23/2011

Increasing violence between opposition protesters and forces loyal to Saleh.

05/18/2011

Saleh backs away from signing an agreement to transfer power, saying that three of the five signers of the agreement for the opposition are low-level figures who could not be held accountable.

05/01/2011

Talks about agreement bog down, creating worry that there will be a return to violence.

04/27/2011

Protests and strikes escalate even as deal moves forward.

04/26/2011

The governing party, the General People's Congress, officially consents to transition plan, although the opposition still resist one provision, and will not approved until Saleh signs it is.

04/25/2011

JMP agrees to a deal in which protests would be allowed to continue until Saleh leaves office. The deal also includes the opposition is joining a unity government that will rule until Saleh leaves office. However, many of the protesters in the street are opposed to this deal.

04/24/2011

Saleh agrees to an offer mediated by other Arab countries in which he would step down within thirty days as long as he and his family are granted immunity, during which time a national unity government would be formed. Opposition is skeptical. Established opposition coalition is known as the Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), although not all protesters consider themselves part of it. JMP welcomed the offer, but only if a national unity government was formed after, because they do not want to be part of the government with him in it Saleh steps down.

04/17/2011

Opposition to meet with Gulf Cooperation Council.

04/11/2011

Opposition rejects Gulf Cooperation Council proposal that calls for Saleh to step down and the creation of a unity government because it includes an offer of immunity from prosecution for Saleh.

04/07/2011

Gulf Cooperation Council calls for transfer of presidential powers in Yemen.

04/04/2011

Violence against protestors increases.

04/03/2011

The US now negotiating Saleh’s removal. He would hand power over to a provisional government led by his vice president.

03/28/2011

Explosion in an abandoned government weapons factory kills at least 110. Government forces have abandoned many posts across the country, including where northern rebels are strongest. Saleh says that six of Yemen's 18 provinces "have fallen." However, some Yemeni officials say that Saleh's claim may be a ploy.

03/25/2011

Saleh says he will yield power, but only to “safe hands.”

03/24/2011

Saleh in talks over the timing and conditions for the end of his 32-year rule.

03/22/2011

A number of high-level officials, the country's senior military commander, an important tribal leader, and a half-dozen ambassadors throw their support behind protesters. The defense minister insists that the Army remains loyal to Saleh. Several of his relatives hold important security posts.

03/20/2011

Saleh fires his cabinet, saying he will replace it.

03/18/2011

Government supporters opened fire on protesters, killing at least 45 and wounding many more. However, the protesters do not leave their positions.

03/01/2011

Leading Islamist cleric calls for Saleh to resign.

02/21/2011

Saleh says he will negotiate, but continues to insist that he will remain in office.

02/13/2011

Youthful protesters battle security forces in Sana’a, though the established opposition groups stay away.

02/03/2011

Pro- and anti-government protestors face off without violence. However, the population is described as heavily armed and the tribal culture may lead to unpredictability.

02/02/2011

Saleh announces that he will not run for president in 2013. He said the same thing in 2005, but reneged. The opposition is skeptical.

02/01/2011

As protests continue in Egypt, government offers new concessions to opposition.

01/27/2011

Protests continue and even increase.

01/24/2011

Protests against government

Protests, inspired by Tunisian protests, call for Saleh’s ouster. He rejects this and cuts income taxes and orders price controls as well as pay increases for the Armed Forces.

11/04/2010

Despite evidence that Al Qaeda is using Yemen as a safe base for operations, there are complications. The government has often attributed many kinds of unrest to Al Qaeda when in fact it is caused by rebels in the north or the south, in part to get aid and arms from the West. It has also paid tribal leaders to fight domestic enemies or other tribes that were causing trouble for the government. Some tribal leaders foment violence and then quell it for money. Most tribal leaders do not support Al Qaeda, and there are many unemployed who have access to guns and shoot up government vehicles and offices, which is then attributed to Al Qaeda.

08/24/2010

Peace talks begin with Houthi rebels.

02/28/2010

Increasing protest movement in South Yemen threatens to harden into resistance. Southerners yearn for the time when the British ruled, and then left the area an independent state, South Yemen. Southerners feel that Northerners (where the capital is located) have mistreated and ignored them.

02/11/2010

Government accepts ceasefire.

01/25/2010

Houthi rebels offer truce to Saudi Arabia.

12/27/2009

US increasing use of covert operatives in Yemen against Al Qaeda in Yemen.

11/05/2009

Saudi Arabia joins fight

Saudi army makes rare strike, bombing Yemeni rebels, called Houthis, who captured a Saudi town on border with Yemen. The Houthis, who are led by Abdel Malik al-Houthi, are Zaydis, an offshoot of Shiite Islam and also belong to an elite group that ruled Yemen for a long period. They are largely funded by Iran, but are not a militant Islamist group.

08/11/2009

Government launches offensive against Shiite separatists, largely of the Houthi clan, in north.

05/04/2009

Separatist fighting

Increasingly strong separatist movement, probably supported by Iran.

09/17/2008

Terrorists stage a direct frontal assault on US embassy in Yemen, killing ten. Six terrorists are killed and the attack failed.

07/20/2007

Thirteen are killed in riots over increased fuel prices and plans to cut fuel subsidies.

09/24/2006

Saleh declared winner with 77% of the vote.

09/19/2006

Surprisingly strongly contested race for president between Saleh, who decided to run after rallies supporting him, and Faisal bin Shamlan, former member of parliament with a reputation for integrity. Shamlan is backed by a coalition of four parties, including Islamists. Major issues are government corruption, a lack of opportunity, and growing militant terrorist movement.

07/18/2005

President Ali Abdullah Saleh says he will not run again in elections next year.

02/22/2001

Continuing violence forces government to call off municipal elections and referendum on extending terms of president and legislature.

10/17/2000

Reversing itself, Yemen calls explosion a criminal act and begins questioning witnesses. At least 10 now known dead.

10/12/2000

USS Cole attack

Small boat explodes beside US destroyer USS Cole in Aden port; at least six killed. US suspects terrorism. Yemen government almost certainly not involved.

09/23/1999

First direct presidential election. President Saleh, in power for 21 years, wins over Najeeb Qahtan al-Shaabi, an independent from Saleh's own Peoples' Congress Party, who called his own candidacy a gesture. Socialist Party, main opposition group, not allowed to field a candidate and called for boycott of the voting.

04/27/1997

First parliamentary elections in three years. Most candidates run as independents, although many are supported by one of the country’s, General People’s Congress Party of President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Islamic Islah party.

07/07/1994

Troops roll into South Yemen capital, Aden, effectively ending civil war. Rebel government flees, but vows to continue fighting.

02/20/1994

Agreement between al-Beidh and Prime Minister Haidar Abu Bakr al-Attas fails to end fighting.

08/1993

Civil war

Vice President al-Beidh leave government, going to Aden in South Yemen. He demands end of violence against members of his Yemeni Socialist Party and greater attention to the south. Civil war breaks out.

05/22/1990

North and South Yemen merge

Capitalist Yemen and Marxist South Yemen merge to become one country. South Yemen won independence from Britain 23 years ago. New president: Ali Abdullah Saleh, elected by Parliament. Parliament also elects a five-member ruling council, with members both from the north and the south. Elections may be held at the end of 1992.

06/17/1978

Saleh elected president

Colonel Ali Abdullah Saleh is elected by parliament to be president.

11/30/1967

South Yemen established

South Yemen, later known as the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, formed.

10/14/1963

Marxist rebels begin struggle against British rule of the area that becomes South Yemen, then known as the Protectorate of South Arabia.

09/27/1962

North Yemen established

Yemen Arab Republic, also known as North Yemen, formed when Egypt forces depose King Muhammad al-Badr. Also beginning of civil war between Yemeni and Egyptian forces against supporters of al-Badr.