Cryptic tweet by ‘Al-Maliki’ sparks speculation of Saudi-UAE escalation in eastern Yemen

RIYADH, Dec. 30 (YPA) – A brief tweet posted Tuesday evening by the Saudi-led coalition spokesperson, Turki Al-Maliki, has triggered widespread speculation and concern regarding the intensifying power struggle between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over eastern Yemen.

Al-Maliki’s tweet, which simply read “In the name of God, and with God’s blessing,” offered no further context. However, observers linked the post to the expiration of a 24-hour deadline reportedly set by Saudi Arabia for the UAE to withdraw its forces, following a request by the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, to terminate the UAE’s role in the coalition.

Analysts suggest the tweet could signal an imminent Saudi military move to support pro-Riyadh “Dera Al-Watan” factions and decisively end the confrontations. Such a move would aim to prevent Abu Dhabi from internationalizing the conflict or leveraging reported Israeli support to influence the U.S. position against Saudi interests in the region.

YPA