Battle of Sanaa (2017)

The Battle of Sanaa (2017) was a conflict in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, between forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah), who had previously been allies in the ongoing Yemeni Civil War. The fighting erupted in late November and early December of 2017, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics of the conflict.

The alliance between Saleh and the Houthis, initially formed in 2014, had been increasingly strained due to competing interests and power struggles. Saleh, seeking to regain influence, reportedly reached out to the Saudi-led coalition, which had been fighting the Houthis. This move was viewed by the Houthis as a betrayal and triggered the outbreak of open conflict.

Fighting involved heavy artillery, street battles, and airstrikes. The conflict quickly escalated, with both sides vying for control of key government buildings, military installations, and media outlets in Sanaa. Civilians were caught in the crossfire, and the humanitarian situation in the city deteriorated rapidly.

The battle culminated in Saleh's death on December 4, 2017. He was reportedly killed by Houthi forces while attempting to flee the city. His death significantly weakened his loyalist forces, and the Houthis consolidated their control over Sanaa.

The outcome of the Battle of Sanaa (2017) had a profound impact on the Yemeni Civil War. It eliminated a major opposing force within the Houthi-controlled areas and further entrenched the Houthis' position in Sanaa. The battle also led to a period of increased instability and violence, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Following Saleh's death, many of his loyalists were either killed, imprisoned, or forced into exile, further weakening the anti-Houthi resistance within the capital.