Tensions between Yemeni factions backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have sharply escalated, raising concerns that rivalry between the two Gulf powers could spill into open confrontation on Yemeni soil.
UAE-backed separatist forces known as the Southern Transitional Council said Saudi Royal Air Force jets carried out warning flights over their positions this week, a move widely seen as a signal to withdraw or face possible military action. The reported incident underscores growing friction between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over influence in southern Yemen.
Saudi Arabia backs the Presidential Leadership Council, the internationally recognised Yemeni authority, which now controls only limited and shrinking territory. The UAE, by contrast, supports the Southern Transitional Council, which seeks autonomy or independence for the south and maintains its own armed forces.
A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition warned that any military movements undermining de-escalation efforts would be met with immediate action, saying the aim was to protect civilians and preserve calm. The statement suggested Riyadh is prepared to use force to prevent further shifts on the ground that could weaken its allies.
The standoff does not directly involve the Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, which controls the capital Sanaa and most major population centres through the Supreme Political Council and aligned armed forces. The Houthis have largely remained outside the Saudi-UAE rivalry, having already fought both powers and their allies during Yemen’s civil war, which erupted in 2015.
The developments have drawn international attention. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was concerned by the situation in southeastern Yemen and called for diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a lasting solution, amid fears that renewed infighting among anti-Houthi factions could further destabilise the country.
