Hussein al-Houthi killed

A suicide attack on the US destroyer USS Cole killed 17 American sailors; Washington expanded counterterrorism engagement with Yemen.

The attacks in the United States intensified American counterterrorism cooperation with Yemen and pressure on the Saleh government.

A US missile strike killed suspected al-Qaeda operative Qaed Salim Sinan al-Harethi and five others; the operation raised sovereignty and accountability questions.

The General People’s Congress maintained its parliamentary dominance amid opposition concerns over unequal political competition.

Fighting began between government forces and followers of Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, laying the foundation for successive wars in northern Yemen.

A second round of fighting deepened the conflict between the Yemeni state and the Houthi movement, harming civilians and displacing families.

Ali Abdullah Saleh defeated opposition candidate Faisal bin Shamlan; the election exposed both limited pluralism and continuing executive dominance.

Protests by retired southern military officers expanded into the Southern Movement (al-Hirak), demanding redress for discrimination and, among some factions, independence.

Another escalation in Saada brought extensive destruction and displacement as efforts at negotiated settlement faltered.

The Yemeni government launched a major offensive against Houthi fighters, escalating the sixth Saada war.