UAE-backed separatists launch new military operation in southern Yemen

The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces announced on December 15 that they have launched a new military operation in Yemen’s southern Abyan province, following their advances in the Hadhramaut and al-Mahra provinces.

A statement released by the STC declared, “The Southern Armed Forces announce the launch of a new military operation in Abyan province, named Operation Resolute Determination, to target terrorist groups.”

STC spokesperson Mohammed al-Naqib stated that the operation is part of efforts to “eliminate terrorism and consolidate security and stability.”

The council recently announced that it had secured control over the entirety of both the al-Mahra and Hadhramaut provinces.

Saudi Arabia’s withdrawal request was not met

Prior to these developments, a Saudi delegation visited Yemen’s Hadhramaut province on September 9, calling for a “return to stability” and demanding the STC’s withdrawal from the region.

This visit occurred after the STC advanced across Hadhramaut, Yemen’s largest province by area, following weeks of clashes.

The separatist militias have also captured large areas in the al-Mahra and Shabwa provinces, with many critical oil facilities and strategic regions now under STC control.

It has also been reported that the UAE-backed militias conducted raids on civilians and engaged in looting activities during their advances.

Meanwhile, a ceasefire established on December 3 quickly collapsed as the STC continued its advance against forces affiliated with the internationally recognized, Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council.

Is a UAE-Saudi agreement behind the advance?

The latest developments indicate that the STC has gained de facto control over a significant portion of the territory it aims to establish as an independent state in southern Yemen.

Some reports suggest that the STC’s recent capture of territories with little to no conflict strengthens the possibility that these areas may have been deliberately handed over to the UAE-backed group.

Karim Shami, a Yemen expert for The Cradle, commented on the matter, stating, “If the STC continues to advance at this pace in the coming weeks and months, it is likely the result of a pre-existing agreement between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.”

Riyadh and Abu Dhabi’s struggle for influence

The UAE was one of the main partners in the Saudi-led war launched in 2015 against the Ansarallah-led government in Sanaa.

Despite this, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have been engaged in a struggle for control and influence in Yemen for the past several years. Critics accuse both countries of attempting to partition Yemen to control its natural resources and strategic ports within their respective spheres of influence.

The Ansarallah movement has described the latest developments as a “crisis between two occupiers.”