Saudi–Yemeni war (1934)

Ibn Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia, had named himself King of the Nejd, following the collapse of Ottoman Empire power during World War I. In 1925 he captured Hejaz from the Hashemites. In 1932, he proclaimed the merger of the Nejd and Hejaz kingdoms, establishing the Saudi Arabian Kingdom. Most of the boundaries remained unmapped, unmarked, and undemarcated by treaty.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23271148|date=1933-08-31|title=Saudi Arabia|publisher=The Queenslander}} He was described as "a modern Solomon",{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73273103|title=A modern Soloman|date=1934-10-26}} as "Cromwell of the Desert", and as both the Napoleon{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47556206|title=Picturesque Figures|date=1934-05-05}} and the Bismarck{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36710481|title=Who shall be lord of Arabia?|date=1934-05-09}} of Arabia.

By 1932, Ibn Saud controlled almost all of Arabia, except for Yemen, and the smaller coastal states which were then British protectorates (Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Aden, etc.). Between Hejaz and Yemen were several tribal regions over which the Ottomans had previously held nominal suzerainty, and which both Ibn Saud and the Imam of Yemen now aspired to control.{{Cn|date=May 2025}}

In 1923, Emir Idrissi, the ruler of Asir, maintained an uneasy independence between Nejd, Hejaz, and Yemen. He was at peace with his traditional rivals in Hejaz, but in dispute with Imam Yahya of Yemen, to the south of Asir.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60008531|title=Daring Woman Traveller|date=1923-07-01}} The area controlled by the independent Idrisid emirate fluctuated during the ten years of its independent existence.{{Cn|date=May 2025}}

In 1926, the Emir of Asir assented to Saudi suzerainty, and in 1930 it was incorporated into the Nejd and Hejaz Kingdom. The new Saudi kingdom started growing at the cost of Idrissi-controlled areas, as Asir and Jizan were both part of the Idrisid Asir emirate during the 1920s.{{Cn|date=May 2025}}

A treaty was made in 1931 but soon broken. In November 1933, the Yemenis declared war and advanced on Najran.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48449371|date=1933-11-16|title=War Talk in Arabia}} A peace delegation, which included a son of ibn Saud, was jailed by King Yahya. Ibn Saud's efforts reportedly prompted Imam Yahya to say of him: "Who is this Bedouin coming to challenge my family's 900 year rule?"{{cite web |last1=Orkaby |first1=Asher |title=Saudi Arabia's War with the Houthis: Old Borders, New Lines |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/saudi-arabias-war-houthis-old-borders-new-lines |website=The Washington Institute for Near East Policy |access-date=January 16, 2023}}

In February 1934, at the start of the war, the Yemen Government and the British representative in Aden made a "treaty of friendship", which resolved some of the disputes between Yemen and Britain over Aden and the border between Yemen and the Aden Protectorate, and under which the British guaranteed the independence of Yemen for forty years. The Imam agreed to stop attacking Aden.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1171510|title=Treaty with Yemen signed|date=1934-02-17}} At this point in time, the British had a "treaty of friendship" with both the Saudi and Yemeni sides in the war.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32993337|title=Britain Neutral - Protection for Nationals|date=1934-05-09}}

In March 1934, King Ibn Saud ordered the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia (later King Saud) "to re-occupy townships in the highlands of Tehama which the Imam of the Yemen has seized".{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51869200|date=1934-05-16|access-date=2012-09-25|title=Victors in Yemen|newspaper=Launceston Examiner|via=Trove}} A communique states that "Ibn Saud has tried all diplomatic means of seeking an agreement, but the last just ruler in Yemen, the Imam has persisted in a policy of oppressing the inhabitants and 'eradicating' all who have not surrendered."{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10921532|title=Fighting in Arabia|date=1934-03-24}} On 20 March 1934, Saudi Arabia declared war on Yemen.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/resorttowardatag0000sark/page/136/|title=Resort to War: A Data Guide to Inter-State, Extra-State, Intra-State, and Non-State Wars, 1816-2007|last1=Sarkees|first1=Meredith Reid|last2=Wayman|first2=Frank Whelon|date=2010-07-01|publisher=CQ Press|isbn=9780872894341|pages=136, 137|language=en}} The Saudis advanced quickly, capturing the disputed cities of Hajara and Najran on 7 and 21 April respectively. By 9 April, Haradh had been occupied by the Saudi army (except for a single fort, which fell the next day), and Midi was under siege.{{Cite web|url=https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100059310911.0x000014|title='File 6/27 Foreign Interests: Sa'udi-Yemen Dispute' [10r] (19/174)|date=2018-05-31|website=Qatar Digital Library|language=en|access-date=2019-06-19}} On 11 April, the Saudi press reported that Aqabat ash-Shatba had been captured by Saudi forces, from which the Saudi army continued their advance, capturing Yabad, then the Bab-al-Hadfd valley, before finally besieging Baqim.{{Cite web|url=https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100059310911.0x00002e|title='File 6/27 Foreign Interests: Sa'udi-Yemen Dispute' [23r] (45/174)|date=2018-05-31|website=Qatar Digital Library|language=en|access-date=2019-06-19}} By 18 April, the press reported Saudi advances on all fronts, including north of Saada.{{Cite web|url=https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100059310911.0x00001c|title='File 6/27 Foreign Interests: Sa'udi-Yemen Dispute' [14r] (27/174)|date=2018-05-31|website=Qatar Digital Library|language=en|access-date=2019-06-19}} By the 21st, Midi was reported to have fallen to Saudi forces.{{Cite web|url=https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100059310911.0x000020|title='File 6/27 Foreign Interests: Sa'udi-Yemen Dispute' [16r] (31/174)|date=2018-05-31|website=Qatar Digital Library|language=en|access-date=2019-06-19}}

In May 1934, the Saudi forces pressed forward their attack in the coastal region, occupying Hodeida. The Saudi tribesmen threatened to loot the Indian trading businesses in the city, but were dissuaded by the arrival of British sailors to maintain order.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10935592|title=British sailors protect merchants at Hodeida|date=1934-05-11}} Unrest occurred in Sanaa, due to lack of food.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2351437|date=1934-05-05|title=Arab Fighting - Ibn Saud attacks Yemen}} The Imam denied rumours that he had been slain, while his son fled.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32993669|title=Arabian Upheaval - The Yemen invaded|date=1934-05-05}} Both the King and the Imam sought control of Asir.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10934130|title=Fighting in Arabia - Yemen invaded by warlike Wahabis|date=1934-05-05}} The Imam asked King Fuad of Egypt to intervene in the war.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47556208|title=Fighting in Arabia|date=1934-05-05}} The British sloop 'Penzance' evacuated the British and Indian residents of Hodeida, and 300 foreigners, to Kamaran Island for safety. On May 6, three Italian warships were dispatched to Hodeida to protect Italian interests.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article33008759|title=Arabian Fighting - Plight of the Yemen - Defence of the Capital|date=1934-05-08}}

According to western newspaper reports: "Tehama is part of the principality of Asir, which maintained for a few years subsequent to the Great War a precarious independence between the territory of the Wahabi King Ibn Saud and that of the Imam of Yemen. In 1926, it accepted the suzerainty of Ibn Saud, and in 1930, under a new agreement, it was practically annexed by Ibn Saud. A dispute then arose between Ibn Saud and the Imam of Yemen regarding the frontier between Asir and Yemen, and this was believed to have been settled by a treaty concluded in December 1931. In announcing his intention of taking action against Yemen, Ibn Saud's legation in London said: 'The Saudi Government has tried all pacific means through diplomatic channels to come to an agreement with the last just ruler and Imam of Yemen, but he obstinately persists in his aggressive policy by occupying our highlands in Tihamah, oppressing their inhabitants, and eradicating all who do not surrender to his rule.'"

Tihamah refers to the very hot land along the eastern shore of the Red Sea, south of Jeddah, representing the coastal fringe of Hejaz, Asir, and Yemen on the Red Sea.

In May 1934, after capturing Luhayya (1 May{{Cite journal|last=Ghanem|first=Isam|date=1990|title=The Legal History of 'A Sir (Al-Mikhlaf Al-Sulaymani)|journal=Arab Law Quarterly|volume=5|issue=3|pages=211–214|doi=10.2307/3381523|issn=0268-0556|jstor=3381523}}) and Hodeida (4 May{{Efn|Joseph Kostiner and Resort to War: A Data Guide to Inter-State, Extra-State, Intra-State, and Non-State Wars, 1816-2007 say that Hodeida was captured on 28 April, but Isam Ghanem says it was captured on 4 May.|name=|group=}}), Saudi forces advanced towards Sanaa, where a battle was expected. The mountains were problematical for their armoured cars and tanks. Neither the British nor Italian forces in the region were expected to intervene.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17067671|title=Arabia - More tribal fighting - British neutrality|date=1934-05-09}} Although the Saudis had better weapons, including tanks, the Yemenis had more experience with mountain warfare. Although the dispute had been brewing for some time, British onlookers predicted that the result would be indecisive.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32993204|title=Fighting in Arabia|date=1934-05-09}} The King demanded the abdication of the Imam, five years control of the border region, and the expulsion from Yemen of the former rulers of Asir.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36736881|title=Fighting in Arabia - Ibn Saud defeats Yemen forces|date=1934-05-07}}

By 10 May 1934, reports from the war were contradictory.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47557243|title=Confused position in Arabia - Both forces claim successes|date=1934-05-10}} Sanaa was reported to be in upheaval, although the Iman claimed to be in charge.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article83235688|title=Arabian War continues - Yemen chief denies reports|date=1934-05-10}} The Yemenis retreated from Hodeida, but claimed to be winning in Najran. The Imam announced a bold plan to advance on Riyadh with 200,000 men, although this attack never eventuated.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2352877|title=Yemen disturbance|date=1934-05-12}} According to Resort to War: A Data Guide to Inter-State, Extra-State, Intra-State, and Non-State Wars, 1816-2007, the Saudis had decisively won the war on 13 May 1934.

On 12 May 1934, peace negotiations had commenced. Saudi Arabia dropped the demand for Imam Yahya's abdication, but demanded a truce for at least 20 years.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10936382|title=Peace Negotiations in Arabian War|date=1934-05-14}} It was reported that the Crown Prince of Yemen supported the war, while his father the Imam was in favour of peace.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17074971|title=Fighting in Arabia - Truce announced|date=1934-05-15}}{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article33004962|title=Truce in Arabia - Yemeni ruler wants peace - Acceptance of Ibn Sauds terms|date=1934-05-15}} Ibn Saud claimed that he was not interested in taking over Yemen.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49507067|title=King of Arabia does not want conquest of Yemen|date=1934-05-17}}

On May 26, it was reported that relations were tense and another outbreak of hostilities was likely.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article33247588|title=Arabian Dispute. Hitch in Negotiations. More Fighting possible|date=1934-05-26}} However, on 14 June 1934 it was reported that a treaty had been signed between the King and the Imam, guaranteeing 20 years of peace.{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article24941318|title=Saudi and Yemen - 20-year treaty|date=1934-06-16}}{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article61794204|title=Arabian Affairs. Treaty Ready|date=1934-06-16}} The last Saudi troops left Yemen on 7 July.{{Cite news|url=https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100059310911.0x000054|title=Saudi-Yemen situation|date=7 July 1934|work=British Consulate-General}} After the Saudi retreat, one of the king's advisors wept after he found out how much territory Ibn Saud had given up, to which Ibn Saud replied saying "You fool, Where can I get the manpower to govern Yemen? Yemen can only be ruled by its own ruler," citing the fact that Yemen was a poor country with a population similar to that of his kingdom.{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com.sa/books/edition/Prophets_and_Princes/EEEFsVYLko4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22war+with+yemen%22&pg=PA146&printsec=frontcover|title=Prophets and Princes: Saudi Arabia from Muhammad to the Present|first=Mark|last=Weston|date=July 28, 2008|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|via=Google Books}}

• Najran conflict, a preceding Saudi–Yemeni conflict
• Al-Wadiah War, a subsequent Saudi–Yemeni conflict
• Treaty of Jeddah (2000)
• Saudi–Yemen barrier
• Saudi Arabia–Yemen border

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• {{cite journal |title=The Operations in the Yemen |first=K. S. |last=Twitchell |pages=445–49 |author-link=Karl Twitchell |journal=Journal of the Royal Central Asian Society |volume=21 |issue=3 |year=1934|doi=10.1080/03068373408725322 }}

{{Yemen topics}}{{List of wars involving North Yemen}}{{Middle East conflicts}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Saudi-Yemeni War}}

Category:Conflicts in 1934

Category:Wars involving Saudi Arabia

Category:Wars involving Yemen

Category:1934 in Saudi Arabia

Category:Saudi Arabia–Yemen military relations

Category:Kingdom of Yemen