Fifth Saada war

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

Government forces killed Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi; the movement persisted and later reorganized under other leaders.

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.

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

Saudi forces became directly involved in fighting along the Yemen–Saudi border amid the sixth Saada war.

An attempted bombing attributed to al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula intensified US focus on Yemen and demands for counterterrorism operations.

A ceasefire sought to end the sixth war between the government and Houthi forces, though fundamental grievances remained unresolved.

Inspired by regional uprisings, Yemenis mobilized against corruption, inequality and President Saleh’s long rule.