Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have escalated over the future of Yemen, specifically regarding the potential declaration of an independent southern state. The dispute, according to sources, has reached a critical point, with Saudi Arabia reportedly concerned that the UAE's actions are a threat to its own security.

The disagreement centers on the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group in Yemen backed by the UAE. The STC seeks independence for southern Yemen, a move that Saudi Arabia views as destabilizing to the region. The current tensions raise the specter of a new civil war within southern Yemen, potentially exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis and further fragmenting the country.

Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since 2014, when Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, seized control of the capital, Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition, which included the UAE, intervened in 2015 to restore the internationally recognized government. However, the coalition's efforts have been hampered by internal divisions and a complex web of competing interests.

The UAE, while officially part of the Saudi-led coalition, has increasingly focused on supporting the STC and securing its own interests in southern Yemen, particularly around the strategic port city of Aden. This divergence in goals has led to friction with Saudi Arabia, which prioritizes maintaining a unified Yemen under its sphere of influence.

The dispute between Saudi Arabia and the UAE has the potential to spill over into other regional conflicts, including those in Sudan and the Horn of Africa, where the two countries often support opposing factions. This broader geopolitical rivalry adds another layer of complexity to the situation in Yemen, making a resolution even more challenging.

The current status of the conflict remains fluid, with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE engaging in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. However, the underlying disagreements over the future of Yemen and the role of the STC persist, raising concerns about the potential for further conflict and instability in the region. The international community, including the United Nations, is closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties to prioritize dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.