What's happened
Yemen's internationally recognized government retook key military sites in Hadramout after days of Saudi airstrikes. The move follows the withdrawal of Emirati-backed separatists, amid ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over regional influence and Yemen's future governance.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Power Play in Yemen
The recent retaking of Hadramout by Yemen's government signals a significant shift in the ongoing conflict. Saudi-backed forces gaining control of military sites demonstrates Riyadh's intent to consolidate influence in the south, especially as tensions with the UAE escalate. The withdrawal of Emirati forces underscores a regional rivalry, with the UAE seeking to assert independence from Saudi dominance.
This move is likely to deepen internal divisions, as the Saudi-supported government seeks to reassert authority over southern regions previously contested by separatists. The upcoming Saudi-hosted conference aims to unify southern factions, but its success depends on addressing underlying political grievances.
The broader implications include potential realignment of regional alliances, with Saudi Arabia aiming to project strength and the UAE recalibrating its Yemen strategy. The conflict's complexity suggests that Yemen's stability remains fragile, with external influences shaping the outcome. The next few weeks will determine whether these shifts lead to a resolution or further escalation.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that the Yemeni government has regained control of military sites in Hadramout, highlighting the role of Saudi-backed forces and recent airstrikes. The Times of Israel emphasizes the significance of the withdrawal of Emirati forces and the regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. AP News provides detailed footage of the retaking and the local reactions, illustrating the ongoing military and political contest in Yemen. Contrasting perspectives from these sources reveal a complex picture of regional power struggles, with Saudi Arabia pushing for consolidation and the UAE seeking to maintain influence through support for separatists. The coverage underscores the geopolitical stakes and the fragile nature of Yemen's peace process.
How we got here
Yemen has been embroiled in civil war for over a decade, with the Houthis controlling much of the north and a Saudi-led coalition supporting the government in the south. The UAE also backs separatists, complicating regional alliances. Recent weeks saw increased clashes and Saudi airstrikes targeting separatist positions, leading to shifts in control and heightened tensions among coalition members.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Does Yemen's Retaking of Hadramout Mean for Regional Power Struggles?
Yemen's recent military developments, including the retaking of Hadramout by government forces, are more than just local battles—they're a reflection of the ongoing regional power struggle between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Understanding these events can help clarify what’s at stake for Yemen’s future and regional stability. Below, we explore key questions about this complex situation and what it could mean for the Middle East.
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Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.
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The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m