Battle of Sanaa (2014)

The Battle of Sanaa (2014) refers to a military operation led by the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) in Yemen that resulted in the capture of Sanaa, the capital city. The conflict began in September 2014 as part of the broader Yemeni crisis and contributed to the subsequent Yemeni Civil War.

The Houthi advance was driven by grievances related to perceived government corruption, marginalization, and the perceived failure of the transition process following the 2011 Yemeni Revolution. They demanded greater political inclusion and economic reforms.

Fighting primarily involved Houthi forces against government troops loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and forces affiliated with the Islah party. The Houthis seized key government buildings, military installations, and media outlets during the offensive.

The capture of Sanaa marked a significant turning point in the Yemeni crisis. It forced President Hadi to resign in January 2015, although he later rescinded his resignation and relocated to Aden. The Houthi takeover led to the collapse of the central government and paved the way for a wider conflict involving external actors, most notably the Saudi Arabian-led military intervention in March 2015.

The battle had a devastating impact on the civilian population of Sanaa, leading to widespread displacement, casualties, and a humanitarian crisis. The events of the Battle of Sanaa (2014) remain a contentious issue in Yemen, contributing to the ongoing political instability and conflict.