The Yemen Civil War: Iran and Saudi Arabia's Proxy Battle

For over 9 years, a war in Yemen has drawn in regional powers as well as the US and European nations. It's a terrible proxy war that has become a major strategic struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The conflict impacts world oil supplies, and global shipping routes. Take a look at this map that shows the two main alliances forming in the middle east. There are growing concerns that what is essentially a cold war could go hot. The situation got so bad that China stepped in to broker a tense deal in March 2023 between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Written by: Chris Cappy & Diego Aceituno
Edited by: Maksym
Map Animations by: Syed

Part of the reason Yemen is so geopolitically important is because of their geographic location along the southwestern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman. The country has a large maritime border along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that stretches for 1,906 kilometers of coastline. This includes the Arabian side of the Bab al-Mandab Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf and leads to the Suez Canal, making the Strait one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

9% of the worlds seaborne traded oil transits through this choke point and roughly 22,000 ships pass through here each year making it an important geostrategic location. Any American naval ships passing through here on the way to the mediterranean are vulnerable to missile attacks from the shore.

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Task & Purpose is a military news and culture oriented channel. We want to foster discussion about the defense industry.

[yousifalsaidi]

As a yemeni i can tell you this is one of the most informative video ive seen on youtube on the conflict

[TnT_shadow]

You may be your average infantryman, but you’re one of the best journalist/new provider i have seen in awhile. Top work. Thanks for the content.

[sargentocapitao]

Im ashamed to admit this was the first time I ever watched a video about what the hell has been going on in Yemen. The only time I heard of it was when the Russian-Ukraine war started and twitter was like "yeah but what about Yemen??" so thank you for this video, between yours and some other youtube channels I've been able to learn a lot about middle east and why it is the way it is

[zaknafienchase]

Thank you for your service, both as a soldier of the US and as an independent journalist with a sober minded and detailed approach to conflict around the globe, with minimal to no real bias stated in your videos. Also thank you to the team that helps make these videos possible. Stay safe, stay alert, stay alive, and stay armed.

[pabcu]

Fun fact (or not so fun fact) Yemen just declared war against Israel just today

[TheDaveRout]

As ever, a clear and concise analysis of a very complex conflict. You’re a star and a credit to your country

[randompatillo]

Way to be incredibly fair and honest while describing this conflict. Your coverage is well thought out and gives this conflict the deference it deserves.

[oldscout]

Cappy, you are far and above average. You have a great personality and I very much enjoy your channel and content. Thanks for your service before, and your continued service on YouTube... It's always refreshing to get the FACTS of a matter and not all the hype and bias. God bless you and GO ARMY! -ancient Cavalry Scout from a by-gone era

[neurofiedyamato]

This is a excellent summary of the situation. The big picture breakdown of global conflicts are some of your best videos IMO

[peterparsons]

I appreciate you acknowledging that you have respect for other’s opinions, but some people have really ignorant opinions.
Your video’s always seem to be reasonably well researched and make note of relevant facts.

[Khalimass]

Glad there's rational people like you out here talking about this stuff. Thank you

Much love to everyone. Stay safe!

[Danheron]

Fun fact I a friend of mine is a green beret posted in Yemen for a short time as a “observer” he talked about the Houthi rebels one time said “if we could trained and equip them they’d be the best soldiers on the face of the earth” which surprised me

[joeyho]

Just learned what the Yemen Conflict is about. Thank you very much, Chris.

[shdd]

As a citizen of Oman, I can guarantee you that nothing was smuggled through Oman to Yemen. Oman is an Ibadhi government which is not Sunni nor Shiiate and accordingly it will not gain anything by allowing anything smuggled through its land.

[ram_sankar]

Skill issue for Yemen, if 80% of Yemen with coalition couldn't win against a 20% Yemen fighting with smuggled weapons.

[AlexLee-dcvb]

the open and honest presentation of videos on these topics is SO based. Never change, Chris. You've become a top-tier YouTube channel.

[jacksonaddl]

I've heard of the crisis in Yemen but I've never seen it covered like this.. It's absolutely insane that there can be a region of the world that is in this state compared to places like Europe and North America.

[tomrumble]

Thanks to you and your team for these awesome videos. Loving the pace lately.

[FLMAN]

Thanks for the awesome content Cappy!

[stevenbigfist]

Dude, how do you keep pumping these out?
Impressive journalism 👏