The Fractured Stronghold:  A Study of the Yemen’s Military Institution

The paper explores the evolution of Yemen’s military institution from 1962 to the present, highlighting the crises and challenges it has faced amid political, partisan, regional, and sectarian tensions. It examines the military in Yemen before unification, focusing on the northern and southern regions from 1962 to 1989. It also discusses the post-unification military landscape (1990-1997) and the consequences of the 1994 civil war on the army.

From 1997 to 2011, the paper details the emergence of new threats from violent groups like Al-Qaeda and the Houthi movement, which led to significant military confrontations in Saada and Abyan Governorates, further straining the army’s resources and capabilities. The period from 2011 to 2014 saw the Yemeni army grappling with divisions during the February 11 revolution, as some military factions sided with the protesters against former President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s attempts to suppress the movement. This upheaval also led to a restructuring of the military in line with the “Gulf Initiative” and its implementation.

Looking at the period from 2014 to 2024, the paper addresses the risks of fragmentation faced by the military institution after the Houthi coup. It highlights the divisions within the army since 1990 and the significant decline in their standing among global military forces. The challenges currently confronting the military institution include leadership issues, resource limitations, and systemic weaknesses.

The paper offers a vision for the future of the Yemeni military, emphasizing that its revival hinges on building a cohesive and effective army based on strong national principles. It underscores the need to steer the military away from sectarian or partisan influences, aligning it with the national visions articulated during the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference.

To improve the state of the Yemeni army, the paper advocates for enhanced organization, regular training, updated armament, and timely payment of salaries. It also stresses the importance of caring for the wounded and supporting the families of martyrs. It also calls for a strategic repositioning of the army to bolster the state’s presence and defend national borders, alongside urgent measures to equip the military to tackle both internal and external threats.

The paper emphasizes the necessity of unifying all military forces under the Ministry of Defense, ensuring that the military remains committed to national service and loyalty.