Rising Tensions in Yemen: Separatists Blame Saudi Arabia for Airstrikes
Aden, Yemen, finds itself at a pivotal moment as separatist forces have accused Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes against them in the Hadramout governorate. This incident has further escalated tensions in Yemen’s ongoing conflict and threatens to destabilize the fragile coalition that has been in place against Iran-backed Houthi rebels for nearly a decade.
Why It Matters
The conflict in Yemen continues to impact regional stability, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) backing different factions. The airstrikes on separatist forces highlight the increasing fragmentation in the coalition and raise concerns that further violence could derail ongoing efforts to address one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. As Yemen stands on the brink of famine, any escalation could have dire consequences for its population and regional security.
Key Developments
- The Southern Transitional Council (STC) accused Saudi Arabia of targeting its fighters after receiving warnings to withdraw from key governorates.
- Airstrikes occurred in Hadramout following multiple ambushes on STC forces, leading to casualties among their ranks.
- Witnesses reported destruction of military vehicles believed to be allied with the STC.
- Saudi officials did not comment on the airstrikes, but sources indicated the strikes served as a warning to the STC.
- The UAE expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to maintain stability in Yemen.
Full Report
Accusations of Airstrikes
On Friday, the STC, which has the backing of the UAE, accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes against its forces in the Hadramout governorate. The airstrikes reportedly occurred after STC fighters faced multiple ambushes by gunmen, resulting in the deaths of two of their fighters and injuring a dozen others, as stated by Amr Al Bidh, a foreign affairs representative for the Council.
The Council described its operations in the area as necessary for pursuing a wanted individual and curtailing smuggling activities. Eyewitness accounts and video footage indicated that military vehicles associated with the Council sustained damage in the strikes.
Saudi Arabia’s Response
Despite the serious accusations from the STC, Saudi officials have remained silent regarding the airstrikes. However, the Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat later cited unnamed sources, indicating that these strikes were intended to send a strong message to the STC and that any further escalation would elicit stricter responses from the kingdom.
The airstrikes appear to serve as a warning after the STC expanded its control into the Hadramout and Mahra governorates earlier this month, which displaced Saudi-aligned National Shield Forces in the region.
Local Reactions
Faez bin Omar, a tribal coalition leader in Hadramout, suggested that the strikes were a clear warning to the STC, urging them to withdraw their forces. Protests in the southern port city of Aden have also highlighted calls for the re-establishment of an independent South Yemen, demonstrating local discontent and increasing divisions.
The UAE, for its part, has reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s initiatives to promote stability in Yemen, underscoring the complexities of alliances amid the ongoing conflict.
Context & Previous Events
Yemen has been embroiled in civil war since the Iranian-backed Houthis captured the capital, Sanaa, in September 2014, which led to the internationally recognized government fleeing into exile. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015 to support the exiled government, but the fighting has persisted for years, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian consequences.
Despite efforts to stabilize the situation, the airstrikes further complicate the relationships among various factions involved in the conflict, affecting not only local governance but also the geopolitical landscape in the region.
