Saudi-Led Airstrikes: A Tragic Escalation in Eastern Yemen

File photo: Southern Yemen soldiers of Southern Transitional Council (STC) at a check point, in Aden, Yemen (Picture credit: AP)

Recent Airstrikes Result in Casualties

On Friday, Saudi-led coalition airstrikes devastated eastern Yemen, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals and more than 20 injuries. The strikes targeted military camps controlled by UAE-backed southern separatists, as reported by officials from the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

Details of the Strikes in Hadramout Province

The airstrikes occurred in the Al-Khasah area of Hadramout province. According to Mohammed Abdulmalik, the head of the STC in Wadi Hadramaut, the site was hit by seven airstrikes while separatist forces managed to repel a ground assault. This escalation indicates a significant rise in hostilities in the region.

Growing Tensions: Saudi Arabia and UAE Interests Clash

The airstrikes reflect increasing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose interests in Yemen are becoming increasingly misaligned. Saudi warplanes have been targeting STC positions as Riyadh seeks to reassert control over camps and territories in Hadramout, a strategically important province bordering Saudi Arabia.

Recent Saudi Actions in Mukalla

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia executed additional airstrikes in Mukalla, a port city in southern Yemen. These strikes followed the arrival of two ships from the UAE port of Fujairah, which Saudi Arabia claimed unloaded weapons and armored vehicles intended for the STC. Riyadh described these shipments as an “imminent threat” to its national security.

Clashes Emerge from Ground Advancements

A separatist leader disclosed that Saudi-backed National Shield Forces advanced towards STC camps, igniting recent clashes. The STC’s refusal to withdraw from their positions likely led to the airstrikes.

A Controversial Classification of Military Actions

Despite the violence, Salem al-Khanbashi, the Hadramout governor appointed by Yemen’s internationally recognized government, referred to the operation as “peaceful.” He stated that it was not a declaration of war, but rather a preemptive measure to remove weapons and maintain security in the region.

Demands for De-escalation and STC Resistance

Saudi Arabia has demanded the withdrawal of STC forces from Hadramout and the neighboring Mahra province in an effort to de-escalate tensions. However, the separatists have resisted handing over their camps and weapons.

Diplomatic Strain and Aviation Disputes

The political tensions are also manifesting as diplomatic and aviation disputes. Saudi ambassador to Yemen Mohammed al-Jaber accused STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi of blocking a Saudi mediation delegation from landing in Aden. Al-Jaber noted that Riyadh had made significant efforts to diffuse the situation but faced ongoing refusal from STC leadership.

In another development, Yemen’s transport ministry, aligned with the STC, claimed that Saudi Arabia had implemented new inspection requirements for flights to and from Aden airport. This action has led to the suspension of flights between Aden and the UAE until the measures are overturned.

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict in Yemen remains complex, with various factions vying for power and influence. As both Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to assert their interests, the cycle of violence and political strife is likely to persist.