1962: The establishment of Yemen Arab Republic stokes war between royalists supported by Saudi Arabia and republicans supported by Egypt. 

1967: The establishment of People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen following 120 years of British involvement. 
 

1969-1971: Thousands flee from the south to the north, and armed groups in Yemen Arab Republic and People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen threaten to overthrow their governments.

1972: Border clashes between Yemen Arab Republic and People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen. The Arab League brokers a ceasefire agreement.

1978: Ali Abdullah Saleh claims presidency in the north after a military coup.

1979: Renewed fighting between the two states, and attempts for unification. 
 

1986: Political violence causes thousands of deaths in the south. President Ali Nasser Mohamed leaves the country. 
 

1990: Unification of Yemen Arab Republic and People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen. Ali Abdullah Saleh named as President, and the then President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen Ali Salem AlBeidh as Vice-President.

1993: A coalition government is formed of ruling parties in the north and south. Ali Salem AlBeidh returns to the south.

1994: Fighting erupts between the north and south following military build-up along their borders. Saleh declares state of emergency, and sacks Ali Salem AlBeidh who in turn declares the independence of the south and leaves the country after the northern army seizes Aden. 
 

2000: Seventeen Americans are killed in a suicide attack against naval vessel USS Cole, AlQaeda is blamed. A bomb explodes at the British Embassy in Sana’a.

2001: Violence erupts during municipal elections and referendum on constitutional reform to extend the presidential term and powers. Ali Abdullah Saleh partners with the United States in the war on terrorism.

2002: Attack on French supertanker Limburg off the coast of Yemen, AlQaeda is blamed. 

2004: The army battles Houthis in the north between June and August, acknowledges killing their leader Hussein AlHouthi in September.

2005: Re-emergence of clashes between the army and Houthis in the north between March and April.

2006: Saleh is re-elected as President.

2007: AbdulMalik AlHouthi agrees to ceasefire after renewed fighting with the army in the north between January and March.

2008: Resurgence of clashes between the army and Houthis in January. Series of attacks between March and April on government, security, diplomatic and tourist targets, including one against the US Embassy in Sana’a claiming several lives. Clashes erupt in April during southerners protests over government employment discrimination. 

2009: The Army battles Houthis in the north in August. Houthis clash with the Saudi Arabian army in October. The Yemeni branch of AlQaeda claims responsibility for an attempt to down an American passenger plane over the US in December.

2010: Ali Abdullah Saleh expresses willingness in January, to start talks with AlQaeda if it denounces violence. Ceasefire is reached with Houthis. 

2011:  Following the uprising in Tunisia, Ali Abdullah Saleh vows in January not to extend his term beyond 2013. In March, key military figures and political leaders, including Major-General Ali Mohsen AlAhmar, join protestors demanding reform. Turmoil continues, and clashes between security forces and armed militants result in dozens of deaths and casualties. In April, United Nations envoy Jamal Benomar starts his first mission in Yemen with the objective of facilitating a political agreement. Shortly after, in June, Ali Abdullah Saleh is critically injured in an attack on a mosque at the Presidential compound. He leaves for Saudi Arabia, and returns in September. Meanwhile, the United States announces it killed one of AlQaeda’s key leaders, Anwar AlAwlaqi. In October, the Security Council adopts resolution 2014, condemning violence, calling for implementation of a political settlement based upon the GCC Initiative, and requesting the Secretary-General to continue his good offices. The Transition Agreement is signed in Riyadh, in November. Power is transferred to Vice-President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, and a National Unity government is formed, headed by Mohamed Salem Basendwa, the Prime Minister.

2012: Ali Abdullah Saleh leaves the country again in January, and the parliament grants him immunity despite massive protests. Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi is elected as a President in February, and Saleh returns a few weeks later. More than 120 soldiers are killed in two attacks on Republicans Guards and the army in February and May, AlQaeda claims responsibility. Preparations for a comprehensive national dialogue conference commence. In June, the army regains control over Abyan province which had been previously seized by AlQaeda. Security Council adopts resolution 2051 reaffirming the need for the full and timely implementation of the Transition Agreement and signaling potential sanctions. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon visits Sana’a in November. 

2013: Members of the Security Council visit Sana’a in January. The Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference is launched in March after six months of preparations. A month later, the son of former President Saleh, Ahmed Ali, is removed as head of the Republican Guard. In December, 56 are killed and 176 injured in an attack on AlAradi Hospital in the Ministry of Defence compound in Sana'a.

2014: National Dialogue Conference successfully concludes in January with an agreement on an Outcome Document. In February, the Security Council adopts resolution 2140 supporting the implementation of the National Dialogue outcomes, reaffirming the need for the full and timely implementation of the political transition, and establishing a sanctions regime under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter to sanction spoilers of the political transition. Constitution drafting process is launched in March.