Saudi Arabia Acts to Protect Yemen’s Stability
DOHA, Qatar – Saudi Arabia took action in Yemen on Tuesday, targeting a shipment of weapons believed to be from the United Arab Emirates and intended for separatist groups. This move highlights the ongoing instability in the region, a critical trade route, and the dangers it poses to the Persian Gulf.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group supported by the UAE, recently took control of key provinces, including important oil resources.
Yemen has been struggling with civil war for years, fueled by different groups and outside involvement. The Houthis, who have ties to Iran, control much of the country, including the capital. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have supported the internationally recognized government in the south.
While violence had decreased, the recent actions by the UAE-backed separatists have disrupted the balance among those opposing the Houthis.
The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital and forced the government out. Saudi Arabia and the UAE intervened in 2015 to help restore the government. Now, the STC is fighting against the government and its allies, even though they are all supposed to be against the Houthi rebels.
The STC wants southern Yemen to become independent again. They control much of southern Yemen, including important ports and islands.
Earlier this month, STC forces took control of important facilities in Hadramout, including Yemen’s largest oil company. They then moved into Mahra, seizing a border crossing with Oman. In Aden, they also seized the presidential palace.
Saudi Arabia withdrew troops from Aden earlier this month, as part of a “repositioning strategy.” Following this, Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes in the Hadramout region, seen as a warning to the separatists to stop their advance.
This recent escalation has broken the relative calm in Yemen. It also shows the growing disagreements between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who have been supporting different groups in Yemen. The UAE has stated that the future of Yemen should be decided by the Yemeni people themselves.
