The coup against Imam al-Badr unfolded as a concerted effort by military officers who had been galvanized by rising Arab nationalism and aspirations for reform in Yemen. This transition set the stage for significant changes in Yemen's political landscape, as Abdullah al-Sallal emerged as the head of the new republic. The move was met with resistance from loyalists favoring the traditional monarchy led by Imam al-Badr, who rallied support from neighboring monarchist states, leading to increasing tensions. Initially, this violence showed the deep divisions within Yemeni society between monarchists and republicans, and reflected broader regional trends of anti-colonial and nationalist sentiments prevalent during the era.

The revolution’s repercussions extended beyond national borders, inviting foreign intervention, particularly from Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser who supported the republican forces with military aid. The conflict would eventually spiral into a more extensive civil war that not only saw internal divisions but also attracted involvement from external powers, creating a complex web of alliances and enmities. Over the ensuing years, Yemen would grapple with the consequences of this conflict which would shape its social, political, and economic future for decades to come.