Wed Dec 31 20:20:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
Tensions have escalated dramatically between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Yemen. Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes against the UAE-backed separatist forces in Mukalla following accusations of unauthorized weapons shipments. This led to a public spat, with Saudi Arabia accusing the UAE of undermining its national security and demanding the withdrawal of Emirati forces. The UAE has since announced it will withdraw its troops from Yemen. The US has expressed concern and is urging de-escalation between these key regional allies. The conflict exposes a growing rift between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, impacting the ongoing war in Yemen and broader regional stability.
News Article:
Saudi Arabia, UAE Relations Strained as Airstrikes Target Emirati-Backed Forces in Yemen
Mukalla, Yemen – A significant rift has emerged between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as Saudi forces launched airstrikes on the port city of Mukalla, targeting vehicles and weapons allegedly delivered by the UAE to separatist forces. The dramatic escalation follows accusations that the UAE has been undermining Saudi Arabia’s national security in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of providing unauthorized weapons to the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group seeking independence for southern Yemen. Riyadh stated that the UAE was “pressuring” the STC to conduct operations on the border of the kingdom, and that UAE actions “threaten[ed] its national security”. The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement saying the kingdom would “not hesitate to take all necessary steps and measures to confront and neutralize any such threat.”
The UAE initially rejected the accusations but has since announced that it will withdraw its remaining “counterterrorism” units from Yemen “of its own volition,” a move seemingly aimed at de-escalating the situation. The decision came shortly after a 24-hour ultimatum from Saudi-backed groups in Yemen demanding the departure of all Emirati forces and ending defense pact.
The episode highlights a growing divergence between the two Gulf allies, who previously united in the war against the Houthi rebels and in the blockade of Qatar. The STC’s recent offensive, seizing control of key provinces, further angered the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, who view the STC’s actions as fracturing the battle against the Iran-backed Houthi forces in the north.
The United States has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, “about the ongoing tensions in Yemen and discussed issues impacting regional security and stability,” the US State Department said in a statement. Washington is urging restraint and diplomacy to resolve the crisis, recognizing the potential impact on regional stability.
The decade-long war in Yemen has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and these recent events threaten to further destabilize the region and undermine efforts to resolve the conflict.
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