1 Overview of the 2011 to 2026 conflict 7

  1.1 The origins of the conflict 7

  1.2 Overview of leading Yemeni armed groups 8

  1.3 Internationalisation of the conflict 11

  1.4 Changing areas of control 13

  1.5 Status of peace talks 15

  1.6 Will Yemen be divided? 17

2 Changing balance of power in the south 20

  2.1 Ongoing economic deterioration in Yemen 20

  2.2 Southern Transitional Council extends territorial control, December 2025 21

  2.3 PLC reasserts control, January 2026 26

3 Intensifying Houthi-Saudi/PLC conflict from mid-2026 31

  3.1 Increased tensions in 2026 31

  3.2 What are the risks of a return to nationwide fighting? 36

  3.3 UK Government response 37

4 Humanitarian need and aid challenges 38

  4.1 Humanitarian need in 2026 38

  4.2 Access challenges and aid worker detention 39

  4.3 How much aid is being provided? 42