Riyadh / Abu Dhabi / Sana’a | January 3, 2026
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have escalated sharply after the Saudi-led coalition conducted airstrikes on positions held by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in eastern Yemen, according to regional and security sources.
The strikes targeted STC-controlled sites in Yemen’s Hadramout and Mahrah provinces after the separatist group reportedly attempted to expand its control over the strategic regions. At least seven fighters have been confirmed killed in the clashes, marking one of the most direct confrontations between forces aligned with the two Gulf allies in recent years.
The Southern Transitional Council, which seeks autonomy for southern Yemen, has long been supported by the UAE, while Saudi Arabia backs Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The latest escalation highlights growing divergences within the Saudi-led coalition that has been involved in Yemen’s conflict since 2015.
The United Nations’ Special Envoy for Yemen expressed serious concern over the developments, warning that open disagreements between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi could undermine ongoing peace efforts aimed at ending the prolonged war. The envoy urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to dialogue.
Security analysts say the confrontation raises broader questions about future Gulf security cooperation, particularly as Yemen remains a key strategic and humanitarian flashpoint in the Middle East. No official statement has yet been issued by either Saudi Arabia or the UAE directly addressing the strikes.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with fears that further escalation could destabilize an already fragile regional balance.
