Tensions between Saudis and Emiratis escalate in Yemen amid STC reinforcements
SANAA, Jan. 02 (YPA) – Despite a statement from the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) claiming that its forces are repositioning across Hadramout and Mahra provinces alongside Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces in coordination with the “Saudi-led Arab Coalition,” rapidly unfolding events on the ground point to a sharp escalation in the Saudi–UAE rivalry.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that no real withdrawals have occurred among the STC forces, even as the UAE has stepped up its military activity along Yemen’s southern and eastern coasts, moving troops and transporting weapons.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia appears to be preparing a blockade of the STC, including the closure of ports and airports—most notably Aden International Airport—and reportedly sending military brigades to Abyan province to encircle STC forces in Aden and prevent their movement eastward.
UAE Reinforcements and a Potential Battle in Eastern Yemen
In a sign of preparations for a wider military confrontation, the UAE has deployed significant reinforcements to eastern Yemen in recent hours. Images shared on social media show large contingents of the UAE-backed “Al-Amaliqa ” forces arriving in Ataq, the capital of Shabwa province, en route to Hadramout’s oil-rich province, supported by armored vehicles and military trucks.
This marks the second major reinforcement within 24 hours; earlier, UAE-backed units had moved artillery and troops from the western coast, signaling preparations for a major confrontation potentially against Saudi-backed forces.
UAE Airlift and Alternative Routes for Smuggling Weapons
Alongside ground movements, the UAE has reportedly launched an intensive airlift of weapons to its factions in southern and western Yemen. Flight-tracking websites indicate repeated UAE military cargo flights between Abu Dhabi and bases on Yemen’s western coast, including direct flights to Mayun Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Simultaneously, other shipments were reportedly sent to “Somaliland,” which sources say is an attempt to create alternative weapons routes amid tightened Saudi control over Yemen’s land crossings. These shipments could later be transported via small boats or ships to UAE-backed factions.
Socotra Enters the Conflict Zone
The escalation has also reached Socotra Island. Tensions surged following reports that Saudi Arabia had given the UAE an immediate deadline to evacuate Socotra’s port, reflecting Riyadh’s efforts to end the UAE presence in Yemen. The UAE-backed forces reportedly responded with field movements, including besieging Saudi military units near Socotra Airport and attempting to seize Hadibo Port after Saudi forces refused to allow an unidentified UAE cargo ship to dock without inspection.
Despite earlier reports of a potential UAE withdrawal, new reinforcements indicate Abu Dhabi’s insistence on maintaining control of Socotra.
Saudi Moves to Enforce a Blockade on the STC
In response, Saudi Arabia has begun operational steps to contain the STC stronghold in Aden. Sources indicate that Riyadh is preparing to deploy ” Dera Al-Watan” brigades to Abyan province to encircle STC forces in Aden, prevent their eastward movement toward Hadramout and Mahra, and cut off supply lines.
As part of these measures, all flights to and from Aden International Airport have been suspended, except for those bound for Riyadh. Maritime sources report that new Saudi procedures include mandatory security inspections at Bisha Airport and submission of passenger lists 48 hours before departure for verification.
These rapid developments indicate that the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen’s occupied provinces could escalate into a multi-front confrontation, spanning Aden, Shabwa, Abyan, Hadramout, Mahra, Socotra, and Bab al-Mandab.
@E.Y.M