In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Saudi warplanes reportedly struck forces in southern Yemen backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday. The strike targeted separatist fighters aligned with the UAE, leading to a clash that has raised concerns about a broader conflict in the war-torn country. The strike comes amidst a backdrop of a growing rivalry and struggle for influence between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two key players in the Yemeni conflict.
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According to a report by the Washington Times, the Saudi-led coalition carried out the airstrikes against forces supported by the UAE, with no immediate reports of casualties. This move highlights the deepening divide between the two Gulf powers, who have historically worked together in the region but are now increasingly at odds over competing interests.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group backed by the UAE, accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out the airstrikes in Hadramout province, near the Saudi border. The STC has been engaged in clashes with forces loyal to the Saudi-backed provincial governor, further complicating the already volatile situation in Yemen.
The Saudi airstrikes mark a significant turning point in the Saudi-UAE relationship, which has been strained by diverging interests and ambitions in the region. The STC’s refusal to hand over its weapons and camps has fueled tensions between the two Gulf allies, leading to a dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilize Yemen even further.
The conflict in Yemen has already caused immense suffering for the civilian population, with millions facing food insecurity and lack of access to basic services. The latest developments raise concerns about the potential for a wider conflict that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the country.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Saudi Arabia and the UAE will navigate their differences and whether they can find a way to de-escalate tensions in Yemen. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and urged all parties to prioritize the well-being of the Yemeni people.
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Reference:
– https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3338476/saudi-uae-rivalry-explodes-view-after-strike-war-torn-yemen?utm_source=rss_feed
– https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/2/saudi-arabia-strikes-uae-backed-forces-yemen-coalition-tensions/
– https://defence-blog.com/saudi-airstrikes-hit-uae-aligned-stc-forces-in-hadramout/
– https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/saudi-airstrikes-hit-uae-backed-separatists-in-southern-yemen-10202190
– https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3338567/7-dead-saudi-jets-strike-uae-backed-separatists-peaceful-yemen-operation?utm_source=rss_feed
– https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/seven-killed-as-saudi-coalition-hits-uae-backed-forces-in-yemen/articleshow/126315840.cms
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