Yemen's Complex Web of War: Who's Fighting Whom?

Yemen's civil war, dragging on for over a decade, has recently escalated. This time, it's due to a separatist group backed by the UAE making significant territorial gains in the south. This has caused a rift within the Saudi-led coalition, originally formed to combat the Houthi group. The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, sparked the conflict in late 2014. They overthrew the government of then-president Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Today, they control the capital, Sanaa, and much of the northern highlands. They are accused of being armed and funded by Iran, though they deny this. The Houthis have shown their military prowess with missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and even Israel. Saudi Arabia entered the conflict in 2015, leading a coalition to restore Hadi's government. Their goal was to prevent an Iran-aligned group from gaining power near their border. Despite a recent thaw in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, tensions remain high.The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, seeks independence for the south. They were part of the Saudi-led coalition but declared self-rule in 2020. In December 2025, they seized large areas in Hadramout and Al Mahra provinces, challenging Saudi Arabia's influence. The Islah Party, a Sunni Islamist movement, is a key faction within the recognized government. However, the UAE and STC view them as a terrorist organization. Their stronghold is Marib, a region rich in oil and gas. The UAE, once a key player in the coalition, withdrew its troops in 2020. However, they maintain influence through the STC and other factions. Their interests include countering the Muslim Brotherhood and securing strategic shipping lanes. The internationally recognized government, led by the Presidential Leadership Council, is losing power. After the STC's offensive, their control is now limited to small, isolated areas. They rely heavily on Saudi airpower for support. The National Resistance Forces, led by Tarek Saleh, are another anti-Houthi group. Originally backed by the UAE, they now maintain ties with Saudi Arabia. They aim for a unified Yemen, opposing both the Houthis and southern secessionists.