Yemen's Divided Front: A Clash of Allies

In Yemen, a rift has emerged among those fighting against the Houthi rebels. The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has removed its leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, accusing him of treason. This move comes after al-Zubaidi refused to join talks in Saudi Arabia, revealing a growing split among Gulf powers. The situation highlights longstanding tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who have been supporting different factions in Yemen. This division has weakened their joint efforts against the Houthis, who have controlled the capital, Sanaa, since 2014. The conflict has left Yemen, the poorest country in the Arab world, in a state of uncertainty. A delegation from the STC traveled to Saudi Arabia for talks, but the council lost contact with them upon arrival. Meanwhile, al-Zubaidi stayed in Aden, the interim capital, claiming he would not abandon his people. The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), led by Rashad al-Alimi, accused al-Zubaidi of undermining the country's military, political, and economic standing.Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes in the al-Dhale governorate, targeting STC camps. Witnesses reported seeing armored vehicles and explosions in the area. The STC condemned the airstrikes, calling them an escalation and demanding an immediate halt to the bombing. The PLC was formed in 2022 after the resignation of Yemen's president. However, its members have pursued different agendas, relying on various foreign backers. This fragmentation has hindered their ability to unite against the Houthis, despite recent U. S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting the rebels. Tensions flared again in December over the STC's advances in oil-rich governorates previously held by Saudi-backed forces. Saudi Arabia has recently bombed STC positions and struck what it claimed was a shipment of Emirati weapons. The UAE announced it had withdrawn its forces from Yemen following Saudi pressure and an ultimatum from anti-Houthi forces. The war in Yemen has resulted in over 150, 000 deaths and created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The conflict has also drawn in regional and international powers, complicating efforts to find a resolution.