American Report: Saudi Arabia faces difficult calculations in Yemen
SANAA, Dec. 24 (YPA) – A report by the American website “Dow Jones” revealed on Tuesday a sharp disruption in Saudi Arabia’s strategy in Yemen following the rapid advancement of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces in the Hadramout and Mahra governorates.
This shift has placed Riyadh before “complex calculations” that threaten its historical role as a dominant player.
Receding Saudi Influence
The withdrawal of the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces and the STC forces’ advancement have led Riyadh’s allies to feel abandoned, weakening the Kingdom’s field position to its lowest levels.
Hadramout Dilemma
Riyadh considers Hadramout a vital “buffer zone” for its national security. The report suggests that Saudi Arabia is unlikely to accept STC control over the region, which may drive it to covertly support local factions or intervene militarily to protect its interests, further escalating tensions with the UAE.
Deadlines and Deadlocks
Riyadh granted the STC a deadline until December 31 to withdraw its forces from Hadramout and Mahra. However, negotiations have reached a deadlock due to the STC’s clear military superiority and the failure of Saudi-backed forces to shift the balance of power despite significant spending.
STC Vulnerabilities
The report noted that the STC lacks internal cohesion and suffers from conflicting loyalties among its leadership. Riyadh may exploit these dynamics to weaken the council or trigger internal conflicts within the oil and gas-rich regions.
Strategic Shift Toward Sanaa
The report concluded that current pressures may push Riyadh to solidify a “detente” with “Ansarallah” group (the Houthis), potentially viewing them as a “balancing force” to counter the ambitions of the UAE and the STC in the south.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia finds itself facing difficult choices; either increase its direct military involvement to restore its prestige or accept the erosion of its standing in favor of other local and regional powers, potentially reshaping its alliances to include former adversaries.
YPA