Saudi Airstrikes Deepen Rift in Southern Yemen

Tensions in Yemen have intensified after southern separatists accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes against their forces in the east of the country. The incident highlights growing fractures within the coalition battling the Iran-backed Houthi movement and raises fresh concerns about stability in the conflict-hit nation.

Separatists Accuse Riyadh of Airstrikes

The Southern Transitional Council (STC), which is backed by the United Arab Emirates, claimed that Saudi jets struck its fighters in Hadramout province. According to the group, the attacks followed clashes with unidentified gunmen, killing two fighters and injuring several others. Riyadh has not officially confirmed the strikes, though regional media reports suggest the action was intended as a warning to halt STC advances.

Disputed Control in Eastern Provinces

The STC has recently expanded its presence in parts of Hadramout and Mahra after confronting Saudi-supported National Shield Forces. The separatists said their operations targeted smuggling networks and a wanted individual. Witnesses reported destroyed vehicles after the air raids, allegedly belonging to STC-linked units. Saudi-linked sources indicated that stronger measures could follow if separatist forces do not withdraw from newly seized areas.

Saudi Warnings and Regional Power Struggle

The alleged airstrikes came a day after Saudi Arabia publicly urged Emirati-backed forces to pull back. Officials from Yemen’s internationally recognised government warned that Saudi military intervention remains possible if talks fail. Around 15,000 Saudi-backed troops are reported to be positioned near the border, underscoring Riyadh’s readiness to escalate. The episode has further strained ties between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, close allies but rivals for influence in southern Yemen and the Red Sea region.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Southern Transitional Council seeks autonomy for southern Yemen.
• Saudi Arabia and the UAE back rival groups within Yemen’s anti-Houthi camp.
• Yemen’s conflict began after the Houthi takeover of Sanaa in 2014.
• The war has caused over 150,000 deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.

Wider Conflict and International Concerns

Yemen’s war escalated in 2015 after Saudi Arabia led a coalition against the Houthi movement. The conflict has drawn in regional and global actors, including the United States. With renewed infighting in the south, the United States Department of State has urged restraint and dialogue, warning that fresh instability could derail fragile efforts towards a lasting political settlement in Yemen.