The battle for Yemen’s future has taken a dramatic turn, with Saudi-backed forces launching a bold move to seize a strategic southern city—a development that deepens the growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Riyadh accuses Abu Dhabi of aiding a separatist leader’s escape, the UAE’s role in Yemen’s complex conflict is sparking fierce debate. Is this a fight for stability or a power play with far-reaching consequences? Let’s dive in.
On Thursday, Saudi-backed forces advanced to capture the key Yemeni city of Aden, a move triggered by Riyadh’s allegations that the UAE assisted Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), in fleeing the country. According to the Saudi-led coalition, al-Zubaidi escaped ‘under the cover of darkness’ by boat to Somaliland, then boarded a flight to Mogadishu, and eventually arrived at a military airport in Abu Dhabi. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just about a leader’s escape—it’s a symptom of a deeper divide between two Gulf allies with competing agendas in Yemen. CNN has reached out to the UAE foreign ministry for comment but has yet to receive a response.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government’s interior ministry declared that the National Shield Forces (NSF) had ‘secured’ Aden, claiming the security situation was ‘under control.’ A video shared on social media showed a massive convoy of military vehicles mobilizing to reclaim southern provinces previously captured by the STC and allied militias. However, CNN cannot independently verify these claims. Aden has served as Yemen’s de facto capital since the Houthi takeover of Sana’a in 2014, making its control a critical prize in the conflict.
Here’s where it gets even more complicated: Last month, government officials fled Aden for Riyadh when al-Zubaidi’s forces launched an offensive to seize the city. This isn’t just a local skirmish—it’s a proxy battle fueled by diverging Saudi and UAE interests. Over the past decade, the UAE has backed southern separatists seeking independence, while Saudi Arabia has supported a unified Yemen. The UAE withdrew most of its troops in 2019 but retained a small counterterrorism force, further complicating the dynamics.
The STC’s advance across southern provinces in early December enraged Riyadh, sparking an unprecedented public dispute. Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on UAE shipments and backed the Yemeni government’s demand for remaining UAE forces to leave within 24 hours. Following the UAE’s withdrawal, Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi airstrikes, pushed the separatists back to Aden. Under pressure, the STC agreed to talks in Riyadh aimed at de-escalation.
However, tensions escalated again when al-Zubaidi failed to join the STC delegation in Riyadh, instead mobilizing forces to create ‘chaos and unrest,’ according to the Saudi-led coalition. Yemen’s internationally recognized government accused him of ‘high treason’ for inciting internal strife. Amr Al-Bidh, an STC foreign affairs official, claimed the delegation of over fifty officials was isolated upon arrival in Riyadh. A photo posted by the Saudi ambassador to Yemen showed him meeting with the officials, but Al-Bidh described the invitation as an ultimatum: ‘Either you come, or you are an enemy, and that is your last chance.’ CNN has also reached out to the Saudi government for comment.
Now, here’s the burning question: Can Saudi Arabia and the UAE reconcile their differences in Yemen, or will their rivalry further destabilize an already war-torn nation? As the conflict evolves, one thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever, and the consequences will shape Yemen’s future for years to come. What’s your take? Do you think Saudi Arabia and the UAE can find common ground, or is this rift too deep to mend? Let us know in the comments below.
