Saudi-Emirati tensions arise over separatist gains in Yemen
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have arisen once again after Emirati-backed separatists seized strategic areas in eastern Yemen, the Middle East Eye and agencies reported on December 16th.
Members of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist movement advocating for the re-establishment of South Yemen, pushed into the Hadhramaut and al-Mahra governorates. The recent advancement has left the STC in control of much of the provinces of the former People’s Democratic Republic of South Yemen.
Although the STC has in the past served as a crucial ally to the Saudi-led coalition in combatting the Houthi movement, recent tensions have arisen over the STC’s close links to the United Arab Emirates which backs and funds its activities. The STC’s recent capture of Petrolmasila, home to one of Yemen’s biggest and most vital oil fields, has elicited a cold response from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia promptly closed Yemen’s airspace in response the the STC’s offensive.
The UAE’s active support of the STC appears to be more linked to strategic interests rather than outright recognition of Southern independence. Through its alliance, the UAE has benefitted greatly, accumulating a base on Mayun Island in the Bab al-Mandab strait linking the trade routes from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The UAE has also helped to build bases in Mocha, and on the islands of Abd al-Kuri and Samhah.
While unnerved by the STC’s gains, Saudi Arabia appears cautious to not escalate its tensions with the UAE. Meanwhile, the STC has been swift in establishing local administrations, most notably the Southern Fatwa Authority in Aden.
The spat highlights the conflicting interests that member states maintain in Yemen. The STC’s campaign for the separation of Yemen could undermine Rashad al-Alimi’s embattled Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) government and Sana’a’s efforts to maintain recognition as the overall authority.
Middle East Eye and agencies, Maghrebi.org
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