Yemen

Yemen: Saudi-Backed Forces Retake Key Provinces From UAE-Backed STC

Is Saudi Arabia defending Yemen's unity, or is it undermining peace by attacking former allies seeking self-determination?

Published JAN 5

Yemen: Saudi-Backed Forces Retake Key Provinces From UAE-Backed STC

Story

Above: Pro-government tribal forces take control of several military sites belonging to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the city of Mukalla, Hadramawt province, Yemen, on Jan. 3, 2026. Image credit: Stringer/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Facts

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces retook control of Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces in oil-rich southeastern Yemen from the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, with government officials on Saturday announcing the recapture of "all military and security positions" in the region bordering Saudi Arabia.
Al Jazeera
The New York Times
XINHUA
TRT World on X
At least 80 fighters from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) were killed, 152 wounded and 130 captured during clashes and air strikes since Friday, according to an STC military official, with most casualties resulting from Saudi-led coalition strikes on military camps.
France24.com
News.iq
WION on X
Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry called for a conference in Riyadh to bring together southern Yemeni factions to discuss "just solutions to the southern cause," with the invitation issued by Yemen's internationally recognized government and welcomed by the Southern Transitional Council.
Al Jazeera
The Associated Press
The Saudi Foreign Ministry on X
The STC took control of Hadramout and al-Mahra in December, triggering tensions with Saudi Arabia and highlighting widening rifts between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Despite their formal alliance against the Houthis, both states have backed rival factions within Yemen’s fractured governing structures.
The New Arab
Kurdistan24
FOX News
The UAE announced the withdrawal of all its armed forces personnel from Yemen, stating the move was conducted in coordination with relevant partners and aimed at concluding remaining counter-terrorism missions, following Saudi pressure and accusations of arming separatists.
Al Jazeera
The Jerusalem Post
On Friday, the STC announced the start of a two-year transitional period toward declaring an independent state, including dialogue and a referendum on independence, with the STC president, Aidaros Alzubidi, warning of an immediate independence declaration if talks fail or attacks continue.
The New Arab
Dw.Com
Yemen Monitor

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Saudi Arabia's military action against the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council represents a necessary defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. The UAE's maritime empire strategy of backing separatist movements threatens regional stability and Saudi national security, particularly along its border with Yemen. Riyadh's commitment to a unified Yemen stands in stark contrast to Abu Dhabi's preference for fragmented states that serve narrow economic interests.

Informed Comment

News.iq

Middle East Eye

Narrative B

The Saudi-led offensive against southern forces has killed at least 80 fighters and wounded over 150 more, exposing Riyadh's willingness to use overwhelming military force against former coalition partners. Saudi air strikes on camps in Hadramawt represent an escalation that undermines dialogue and threatens to fracture the anti-Houthi coalition entirely. The kingdom's aggressive posture ignores legitimate southern grievances and the aspirations of millions seeking self-determination.

Al Jazeera

Kurdistan24