On Friday, the STC declared that a "war" had begun, accusing Saudi-backed ground forces of launching an attack in conjunction with Saudi air force strikes. The fracturing of the Saudi-UAE alliance, which had previously supported Yemen's internationally recognized government against the Houthi rebels, has resulted in the two Gulf powers backing opposing groups on the ground. The STC is now pushing for the independence of a breakaway state in southern Yemen.
Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi movement seized control of much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. The conflict has since plunged the already impoverished nation into a humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread violence and severe food insecurity. The United Nations has described the situation in Yemen as one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE intervened in Yemen in 2015, leading a military coalition aimed at restoring the government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. However, differences in strategic objectives and local alliances have gradually strained the relationship between the two Gulf states. The UAE has increasingly focused on supporting southern separatists, while Saudi Arabia has maintained its support for the internationally recognized government.
The current clashes highlight the complex and multi-faceted nature of the Yemeni conflict, which is influenced by regional power struggles and local grievances. The potential for a divided Yemen raises concerns about further instability in the region and the potential for increased involvement by external actors. The conflict has drawn international condemnation due to the high number of civilian casualties and the dire humanitarian situation. International efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution have so far been unsuccessful. The future of Yemen remains uncertain as the Saudi- and UAE-backed forces remain in confrontation.
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