Saudi-Emirati Rift in Yemen Escalates as Strategic Alliance Falters
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Saudi-led coalition’s bombing of a military shipment allegedly destined for UAE-backed separatists in Yemen’s Al-Mukalla port has triggered widespread international analysis about a fundamental breakdown in the Gulf alliance. The incident, initially perceived as a limited operational dispute, has been characterized by Western media as evidence of an open confrontation between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over Yemen’s future.
Independent reports confirm the shipment originated from Fujairah port in the UAE and was bound for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Hadhramaut province when targeted by Saudi airstrikes. Riyadh considers the STC’s separatist ambitions – particularly near Saudi Arabia’s southern border – a red line, while Abu Dhabi views Yemen as crucial to its regional influence project spanning African ports to the Arabian Sea.
Analyses by Inside Over and Le Temps suggest this confrontation marks the collapse of the “cohesive Arab coalition” narrative, with Switzerland’s Le Temps noting the abrupt cancellation of Emirati-Yemeni defense agreements and 24-hour troop withdrawal orders as evidence of shattered trust. French outlet Liberation reports STC forces now openly defy Saudi-backed government orders, while The Telegraph warns the rift between these key energy producers could destabilize global oil markets.
The Wall Street Journal highlights complications for U.S. Middle East policy, noting the Saudi-Emirati divide emerges as Washington seeks regional stability against Iranian influence. Most analysts agree Yemen’s conflict has entered a phase where regional power competition overshadows the original anti-Houthi objectives, with The Guardian warning of potential southern Yemen civil war and broader Gulf instability if the rift persists.
