Saudi-backed forces retake Mukalla amid widening Saudi-UAE split
Saudi-backed National Shield Forces, backed by airstrikes, retook Mukalla and Hadramout sites from STC separatists, escalating Saudi-UAE tensions and fracturing the anti-Houthi coalition this week.
ABC NewsSaudi-backed forces regain control of Yemen's Hadramout after days of airstrikes
Associated PressSaudi-backed forces regain control of Yemen's Hadramout after days of airstrikes
Associated PressSaudi-backed forces regain control of Yemen's Hadramout after days of airstrikes
Al JazeeraSaudi-backed government forces retake multiple cities in southern Yemen
Overview
Saudi-backed National Shield Forces, supported by Saudi airstrikes, retook Mukalla from Southern Transitional Council separatists; footage showed armed convoys and patrols near Mukalla’s al-Rayyan Airport, residents welcoming them.
The STC seized oil-rich areas in Hadramout and Mahra last month and announced a constitution for an independent south, triggering Saudi military pressure and heightened regional tensions.
STC-affiliated officials reported more than 100 Saudi airstrikes in Hadramout within 24 hours; paramedics said clashes killed at least eight, and strikes hit the Barshid Brigade camp.
The UAE, a coalition member backing secessionist STC forces, withdrew troops after Saudi pressure; rivalry over Red Sea influence and intercepted Emirati weapon shipments aggravated Saudi-UAE relations.
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council said National Shield reclaimed all Hadramout military and security sites; Rashad al-Alimi appointed Salem al-Khanbashi and sought Mahra handover reports; Saudi proposed a conference.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by emphasizing the legitimacy and success of the Saudi-backed forces in regaining control of Hadramout. Language choices like "record success" and "welcomed by residents" highlight positive outcomes. The narrative prioritizes the Saudi-led coalition's perspective, while the STC's actions are depicted as destabilizing, subtly marginalizing their viewpoint.