Saudi Arabia has taken a highly unexpected step by carrying out airstrikes in Yemen, marking its first military action there in nearly three years.
This time, however, the targets were not the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, but southern separatist forces backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — a move that has exposed deep fractures among supposed allies.
What Happened?
In recent days, southern separatist forces, known as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), seized large areas in eastern Yemen, close to the Saudi and Omani borders.
Riyadh officially described the advance as an “unjustified escalation” and demanded an immediate withdrawal.
After the separatists refused to comply, Saudi fighter jets struck STC positions in the Hadramaut region.
Initial reports suggest the strikes were intended as a warning signal, with no confirmed casualties or major material damage.
Why Are Allies Clashing?
Although Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain formally aligned against the Houthis, their strategic visions for Yemen sharply diverge:
- Saudi Arabia seeks a unified and stable Yemen, backing the internationally recognized government.
- The UAE supports southern separatists, who aim to restore an independent South Yemen.
This contradiction has long existed beneath the surface — the latest strikes have now brought it into the open.
Regional Risks
Analysts warn that infighting among anti-Houthi forces directly benefits the Houthis, who are backed by Iran and stand to gain from their rivals’ disunity.
The incident also highlights a growing rivalry between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi for regional influence, a pattern already visible in Sudan, where both states support opposing sides in the civil war.
So far, neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE has issued an official statement, but tensions remain highly volatile, raising fears that Yemen could be entering a new and more dangerous phase of conflict.
