Tensions between Yemeni factions backed by competing Gulf powers escalated dramatically this week, with Saudi Royal Air Force jets reportedly making demonstrative warning flights over UAE-backed forces’ positions.
👉The message? Withdraw or get bombed.
UAE-backed separatist forces known as the Southern Transitional Council reported Saudi warning strikes on Friday. Riyadh is backing the Presidential Leadership Council, which enjoys international recognition, but controls only a small and shrinking sliver of Yemeni territory.
💬“Any military movements that violate [de-escalation] efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately in order to protect civilians and ensure the success of restoring calm,” Saudi-led coalition spokesman told state media.
📌The Ansar Allah (Houthi) militia, which controls over 80% of Yemen’s population centers and the capital via the Supreme Political Council and the pro-SPC Yemeni Armed Forces, has no horse in the Saudi-UAE standoff, having successfully withstood assaults by both, and by US and allied forces, over the course of a bloody civil conflict that began in 2015.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday that Washington is “concerned” by events in southeastern Yemen, urging diplomatic efforts and “a lasting solution.”
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