Yemen: When Saudi Arabia and the UAE turned on each other
Once united in a military coalition, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now backing rival factions in Yemen, deepening the complexity of a war already in its second decade.
In the final week of December, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government announced what it described as a peaceful operation to retake military bases in Hadramout from southern separatists. These separatists are supported by the UAE. Shortly after the announcement, separatist leaders reported that Saudi airstrikes had hit their positions.
Saudi Arabia has been involved in Yemen’s conflict since 2015. The kingdom views Yemen as essential to its national security due to its shared border and proximity to key shipping routes. Riyadh also aims to block the influence of Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government, now based in the south after losing the capital, Sanaa, to the Houthis.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), on the other hand, is a UAE-backed group that seeks independence for southern Yemen, which existed as a separate state before unification in 1990.
Although Saudi Arabia and the UAE began as allies in the fight against the Houthis, their goals have since diverged. Riyadh supports a unified Yemeni state, while Abu Dhabi prefers to back local actors in the south to safeguard its interests in ports, trade routes, and regional influence.
Yemen is now divided between Iran-backed Houthis, UAE-backed separatists, and the Saudi-backed government. The conflict has evolved into a multi-sided power struggle.
The involvement of the United States and Israel has added to the complexity. The US has supported Saudi operations with weapons and intelligence, while Red Sea shipping disruptions and regional tensions have drawn Israel into the broader conflict.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
