Saudi Airstrikes Hit UAE-Backed Forces in Yemen
Saudi Arabia has carried out airstrikes in southern Yemen targeting forces linked to the Southern Transitional Council, a group backed by the United Arab Emirates. The strikes mark a rare and significant escalation between two key Gulf allies who have jointly intervened in Yemen’s civil war but support different factions on the ground.
Rival Interests in Southern Yemen
The Southern Transitional Council controls large parts of southern Yemen, including areas around the port city of Aden, and seeks greater autonomy for the region. While the United Arab Emirates has openly supported the council as a stabilising force in the south, Saudi Arabia has backed the internationally recognised Yemeni government and has expressed concern over separatist ambitions. The latest strikes reportedly targeted military positions linked to the council, underscoring growing friction over political influence and security control in the region.
Implications for Yemen Conflict
The development highlights internal divisions within the Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in northern Yemen for nearly a decade. Analysts say the clashes complicate efforts to stabilise the country and reach a lasting political settlement. Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have avoided public escalation in rhetoric, signalling that diplomatic engagement remains ongoing to manage differences. However, the incident has raised questions about the future coordination of Gulf powers in Yemen as regional priorities increasingly diverge.
