Intense air raids by Saudi Arabian forces coupled with a Yemeni onslaught against Yemeni Houthi rebels, have brought attention to the poorest nation in the Middle East. As the conflict continues, Alia Allana brings you the background:

•Where is the fighting centred?

The North of Yemen has seen intense fighting. Saudi Arabia and Yemen share a 1,500 kilometre border. Saudi Arabia alleges that the Houthi rebels clashed with border guards in an attempt to infiltrate Saudi territory. The Saudis have claimed that their offensive is merely to secure and seal their border, rather than interfere in Yemeni domestic matters. However, the Houthis claim that Saudi ground forces have crossed into Yemeni territory. The dispute is centred over the Jebel-al-Dukhan region. The Houthi’s maintain that air raids have targeted the villages of Shida and Hassama which lie 7 km inside Yemeni territory.

•How is Saudi Arabia involved?

Though Saudi Arabia has traditionally stayed away from using its armed forces it has become increasingly difficult for Saudi Arabia to ignore the growing Houthi threat. The conflict pits the Yemeni government against the rebels. Besides securing its border, Saudi Arabia wants to ensure that the fighting does not spill over into the oil rich country. The Houthis maintain that Saudi Arabia is supporting the Yemeni armed forces fighting the rebels by allowing them access to the country in order to launch attacks. The Saudis fear the possibility of increased violence on its border dragging it into a battle between the Houthis and the Yemen government.

... contd.