Escalating Yemen Conflict Reveals Divisions Between Gulf Powers Saudi Arabia and UAE
Yemen Conflict Hits Record Crisis Level
The recent escalation of the conflict in Yemen has significantly impacted the relationships between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), drawing them into an unprecedented direct confrontation. The fate of Yemen remains uncertain, as both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have intervened to support the internationally recognized government in the long-standing civil war. However, the alliance between these two nations has begun to fracture, with each supporting rival groups. In this context, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, has declared that it has commenced a 'war,' accusing Saudi-backed forces of launching attacks.
The war in Yemen began in 2014, plunging the country into a deep crisis that has resulted in one of the worst food crises globally. At the onset of the conflict, the Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement seized control of most of northern Yemen. In 2015, a coalition of Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, launched a military campaign to restore government control. Although a ceasefire reduced the intensity of the conflict in recent years, the Saudi-led coalition has begun to unravel.
Recently, the STC launched a military offensive in eastern Yemen, quickly seizing territory from government forces, including the resource-rich Hadramawt province. This offensive has been labeled a 'rebellion' by the leader of the Presidential Council, who condemned the risks posed by the separatists. Following airstrikes, several casualties have been reported, and conflicts have intensified.
The UAE has denied accusations of supplying arms; however, the leader of the Presidential Council announced the cancellation of a mutual defense treaty and the withdrawal of UAE forces from Yemen. The rising tensions between these two Gulf powers cast doubt on the stability of the region at a time when over 19 million people in Yemen urgently require humanitarian assistance.
