Sat Jan 03 15:28:35 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Saudi-backed forces have retaken the Hadramawt province in Yemen after clashes with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). This move deepens the rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who have long supported opposing factions in Yemen. Following a December offensive by the STC to seize Hadramawt, Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes, allegedly targeting Emirati arms shipments and STC positions. Mahra province also switched allegiance from the STC to Saudi-backed forces. Saudi Arabia has called for dialogue between all southern factions in Riyadh, an offer the STC has welcomed, while also warning they may declare immediate independence if attacked again or if no dialogue occurs. Various Gulf states and Egypt have voiced their support for dialogue in Yemen.

News Article:

Saudi Forces Retake Hadramawt Province, Deepening Rift with UAE in Yemen

Mukalla, Yemen – January 3, 2026 – Saudi-backed forces reclaimed control of the resource-rich Hadramawt province in Yemen on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the power struggle between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates within the war-torn nation. The move comes after weeks of rising tensions between the two Gulf allies, who support rival factions in Yemen’s fragmented government.

The retaking of Hadramawt follows a December offensive by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), a secessionist group, to seize the province, a move that angered Riyadh. The Saudi response included airstrikes targeting alleged Emirati arms shipments to the STC and STC positions. At least 20 people died on Friday during a strike on the Al-Khasha military camp in Hadramawt.

“Record success” was achieved as the Saudis retook all military and security positions in the province, according to Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council.

Neighboring Mahra province, which had previously aligned with the STC, switched its loyalty to Saudi-backed forces without resistance.

Saudi Arabia has issued a call for dialogue between all southern Yemeni factions in Riyadh, an invitation the STC has tentatively accepted. However, STC president Aidaros Alzubidi warned that the group will declare immediate independence should dialogue fail or if southern Yemen faces further attacks.

The STC seeks to establish a separate state in southern Yemen, and on Friday announced the start of a two-year transition period towards declaring independence.

The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 to combat the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the north. After years of conflict, the Houthis remain in control of the north, while infighting amongst factions in the south intensifies.

Various Gulf states, including Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, along with Egypt, have expressed support for dialogue in Yemen. The UAE has also called for de-escalation and resolution through peaceful means.

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