The Yemeni Revolution commenced in early 2011 as part of the broader Arab Spring, a series of anti-government protests that spread across the Arab world. On January 27, over 16,000 demonstrators filled the streets of Sana'a, the nation's capital, ignited by a growing desire for change. The protests were fueled by rising unemployment, rising prices of food, and a general feeling of disenfranchisement from the political system that had been dominated by President Ali Abdullah Saleh for over three decades. Protestors voiced their demands explicitly, calling for Saleh's resignation, greater freedoms, and the end of government corruption.

The protests in Sana'a evolved as the movement gained momentum, with activists employing social media to organize and share their grievances. The central symbol of the protests was the University of Sana'a, where large crowds converged to hear speeches that advocated for political reform and human rights. As the situation escalated, clashes between security forces and demonstrators occurred, raising tensions within the capital and leading to a nationwide outpouring of protests throughout the coming months.

In the following weeks, the protests would grow larger, drawing in various segments of society, from students to traditional tribes, united under the common cause of demanding an end to Saleh's long rule. This period marked a significant turning point for Yemen, setting the stage for prolonged protests and civil strife that would ensue over the next several years, fundamentally altering the political landscape.