The forces of the internationally-recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, in 2015 routed Huthi rebels from Aden and the southern coast, and also made progress in the central Marib province. However, their advance faltered in early 2016 as it approached the densely-populated highlands, where the rebels have a natural support base. It had appeared that this deadlock might allow a negotiated solution, but the UN-mediated talks failed. In 2017, the government has begun a new advance up the west coast.
The humanitarian situation will worsen; famine is probable.
The EU might consider an embargo on arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
Without the stability of a negotiated peace, it is unlikely that much of Yemen’s oil and gas output will come back on stream.
The Yemen conflict will further undermine regional relations, despite recent Iranian efforts to reconcile with the Gulf Arab states.
