Marib: Sudden state of emergency declared amid power struggle between Saudi-led coalition allies

MARIB, Jan. 10 (YPA) – Marib Governorate witnessed unprecedented tension this Saturday following the declaration of a state of emergency by the Chief of Staff of the Saudi-backed government, Saghir bin Aziz, in areas under his control.

This move comes in light of recent political and military developments in eastern and southern Yemen, driven by the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the UAE via their loyal local factions.

The situation escalated due to a clash of influence between yesterday’s allies, amid questions about whether the decision represents a “soft coup” against the Islah Party or a prelude to a confrontation with the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces.

The emergency declaration coincided with major shifts, most notably Riyadh’s decision to dissolve the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). This quickly reflected in increased friction between Islah forces led by Governor Sultan al-Aradah and the Riyadh-affiliated “emergency” forces.

Bin Aziz’s factions described recent attacks on the Al-Thaniyah camp as “terrorist” acts carried out by tribal groups linked to the local authority. In response, the governor’s media office (affiliated with Islah party) denied these claims, accusing the Dera Al-Watan’s media of politicizing the incident.

Observers believe that Marib—the last stronghold of Islah party—now stands on a new line of contact between a Saudi project advancing through “Dera Al-Watan” factions and “Muslim Brotherhood” forces fearing the loss of their last cards of control. This occurs within a comprehensive Saudi restructuring of the military landscape following the removal of the “STC card.”

YPA