Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen have killed more than 20 separatist fighters, a situation exacerbated by rising tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia-UAE tension

The long-running conflict in Yemen has once again taken a violent turn. A Saudi-led military coalition launched airstrikes on Friday (January 2, 2026) targeting positions of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council. At least 20 separatist fighters have been confirmed killed in the attacks. This action comes at a time when the United Arab Emirates recently announced the end of its military presence in Yemen.

According to an AFP report, the airstrikes targeted military bases in the Seiyoun and Al-Khasha areas of Hadramaut province. The attacks also targeted a military base and an airport, paralyzing air traffic in the area. No aircraft were able to operate for several hours, creating a sense of fear among civilians. Officials with the Southern Transitional Council said all those killed were their fighters stationed at these military bases. This is the first time STC positions have been directly targeted in recent months.

UAE withdrawal and rising tensions

Prior to these airstrikes, the UAE announced that it had withdrawn its last military troops from Yemen. Abu Dhabi clarified that it wanted to de-escalate tensions in the region. However, controversy had also arisen regarding the attack on Mukalla port, where a weapons shipment was allegedly targeted. The UAE denied these allegations, stating that it was only a shipment of vehicles.

STC's allegation and the Saudi side's response

Leaders of the Southern Transitional Council have accused Saudi-backed forces of betraying trust. They say they had promised to take control of military bases peacefully, but were immediately followed by airstrikes. An STC spokesman described the situation as a fight for survival, saying they were fighting against extremism.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-backed administration in Hadramaut province maintains that the operation is not directed against any political or social group, but rather aimed at seizing military positions. Saudi military sources have warned that attacks could continue if the STC does not withdraw its fighters.

Decades-old conflict and regional politics

The civil war in Yemen is nearly a decade old. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, despite being part of the same coalition, have supported different local factions in this conflict. Iran-backed Houthi rebels remain strong in northern Yemen, while power struggles continue in the south and east.