Tensions Flare in Yemen as Saudi Arabia and UAE-Backed Forces Clash

In a recent turn of events, Saudi Arabia has taken military action against forces in southern Yemen that are supported by the United Arab Emirates. This incident has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict in the region.

Saudi-Led Coalition Targets STC Camps

The Saudi-led coalition is trying to regain control of camps held by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the governorate of Haramout, which shares a border with Saudi Arabia. The STC, backed by the UAE, recently moved into the governorates of Hadramout and Mahra, taking over an area rich in oil. This move forced out groups aligned with the Saudi-backed National Shield Forces, who have been fighting against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Clashes and Airstrikes

The STC's deputy leader and former governor of Haramout, Ahmed bin Breik, reported that the Saudi-backed National Shield Forces advanced toward the camps. However, the separatists refused to retreat, leading to airstrikes by Saudi warplanes. Mohamed al-Nakib, a spokesperson for the STC-backed Southern Shield Forces, claimed that these airstrikes resulted in fatalities, although this information could not be independently verified.

Al-Nakib accused Saudi Arabia of using "Muslim Brotherhood and al-Qaeda militias" in a large-scale attack that the separatists were able to repel. He compared the current situation to Yemen's 1994 civil war, suggesting that the conflict is now being fueled by Saudi aviation operations.

Denials and Counteraccusations

Salem al-Khanbashi, the newly appointed governor of Hadramout, refuted the STC's claims, calling them "ridiculous" and indicating that the STC's actions show a desire for escalation rather than a peaceful handover. Earlier, al-Khanbashi described the operation to retake seized areas as "peaceful," aimed at removing weapons and preventing chaos.

De-escalation Efforts and Naval Deployment

The Saudi-led coalition has demanded that STC forces withdraw from the two governorates as part of de-escalation efforts. However, the STC has refused to hand over its weapons and camps. Meanwhile, the coalition's spokesperson announced that Saudi-backed naval forces were deployed in the Arabian Sea to conduct inspections and combat smuggling.

Diplomatic Tensions

The Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, stated that the kingdom had made extensive efforts to stop the escalation and urge the STC to leave Hadramout and Mahra. However, these efforts were met with "continued intransigence and rejection" from Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of the STC. Al-Jaber also mentioned that the latest development involved the Saudi delegation's jet being denied permission to land in Aden, despite prior agreements.

Flight Restrictions and Suspensions

Yemen's transport ministry, aligned with the STC, reported that Saudi Arabia imposed new requirements for flights to and from Aden International Airport to undergo inspection in Jeddah. The ministry expressed "shock" and denounced the decision, although there was no confirmation from Saudi authorities. A spokesperson for the transport ministry revealed that all flights to and from the UAE were suspended until Saudi Arabia reverses these measures.

Background of the Conflict

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war for over a decade, with the Houthis controlling much of the northern regions. The Saudi-UAE-backed coalition supports the internationally recognized government in the south. However, the UAE also supports southern separatists who advocate for South Yemen to secede from Yemen. Those aligned with the STC have increasingly flown the flag of South Yemen, which was a separate country from 1967 to 1990.