[3] The National Democratic Front (NDF) was supported in its rebellion by South Yemen[3] and Libya.

[2] The NDF enjoyed various successes throughout the early phases of the conflict, although its foreign support dwindled after the peace treaty between North and South Yemen following the 1979 border war.

Kuwait managed to facilitate the signing of a ceasefire between the government and the NDF on 26 November 1981, although hostilities re-erupted in December 1981.

[2] Later, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) was able to mediate a ceasefire agreement on 3 April 1982, however hostilities began again later that same month, with the NDF capturing Juban.

Government forces in turn attacked NDF positions in Juban in the following month and retook the territory.