Yemen’s Saudi-backed govt launches operation against UAE-backed separatists in Hadramout

DUBAI: Yemen’s Saudi-backed government on Friday launched an operation against UAE-backed southern separatists, further deepening the rift between the two powerful Gulf states.

The move follows rapid territorial gains by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in December, which altered the balance of power in the war-torn country and exposed long-running tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over Yemen and wider regional policy.

Operation launched to “restore order”

In a statement, the internationally recognised government said it had directed the governor of Hadramout province to assume control of the “Homeland Shield” forces after the STC seized large swathes of southern territory last month.

Governor Salem Ahmed Saeed al-Khunbashi said in a televised address that the operation aimed to restore order and prevent militias from using camps to destabilise the province. He stressed that the move was not a declaration of war and that efforts would remain peaceful.

Hadramout is Yemen’s largest province, rich in oil resources and sharing a border with Saudi Arabia. It holds historical and cultural importance for the Kingdom, with many prominent Saudi families tracing their roots to the region.

The governor later said government forces had taken control of al-Khasha’a military camp, the largest base in the province, while tribal spokespersons reported ongoing airstrikes near Seiyun airport.

The STC rejected claims the operation was peaceful.

Senior STC official Amr al-Bidh said Saudi Arabia had “misled the international community” by initially presenting the move as non-violent and then launching airstrikes minutes later. He claimed seven airstrikes had been carried out, three of them targeting al-Khasha’a camp.

There was no immediate response from Saudi Arabia to the allegation, and casualties have not yet been confirmed.

The UAE, which backs the STC, said it was approaching the situation with restraint and reiterated its commitment to dialogue.

“The UAE remains committed to de-escalation and internationally supported peace efforts,” a government official said.

Last week, Abu Dhabi announced the withdrawal of its remaining troops from Yemen after Saudi Arabia supported calls for their exit within 24 hours — one of the sharpest public disagreements between the allies in years.

Flights suspended at Aden airport

Separately, flights at Aden International Airport remained suspended for a second day as both sides traded accusations.

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber accused STC leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi of refusing landing permission for a Saudi delegation’s aircraft. The STC-controlled Transport Ministry countered that Saudi Arabia had effectively imposed an air blockade by demanding additional security checks via Saudi territory.

Aden airport is the main travel hub for areas outside Houthi control.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE — both key players in OPEC+ — have increasingly diverged over oil policy, regional influence and Yemen strategy. Analysts say prolonged tensions could complicate consensus within the oil producers’ alliance.

Yemen has been ravaged by conflict for more than a decade, with shifting alliances, separatist movements and regional rivalries continuing to shape the battlefield and political landscape.

Web Desk