The situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with recent escalations revealing a growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the Southern Transitional Council (STC). This has culminated in deadly air strikes launched by Saudi Arabia on positions held by the STC in southeastern Yemen, resulting in a significant loss of life and raising fears of further conflict. This article delves into the details of these strikes, the background to the tensions, and the implications for the future of Yemen.
تصعيد خطير: غارات سعودية على مواقع في جنوب اليمن
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) reported on Friday that seven people were killed and over 20 wounded after Saudi air strikes targeted a camp in the al-Khasah area of Wadi Hadhramaut and the Hadhramaut Desert. Mohammed Abdulmalik, the head of the STC in these regions, confirmed the casualties. This strikes follow an offensive launched by forces backed by Riyadh aiming to reclaim territory seized by the STC in December.
خلفية الصراع وتصاعد التوترات
The current conflict stems from the STC’s desire for an independent state in southern Yemen. They took control of significant areas, including parts of Hadhramout and al-Mahra, in early December, challenging the authority of the internationally recognized government and its allies.
While the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) oversees southern Yemen, incorporating both the STC and figures backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it has been hamstrung by internal disagreements. The PLC, an eight-member body, is visibly divided, with half its members expressing support for separatist goals.
Initially, both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates offered support to the PLC. However, the situation has dramatically shifted, with Saudi Arabia now taking a firm stance against the STC’s actions. Recent events suggest a more direct and forceful intervention by Saudi Arabia to assert its influence in the south. This division among previously supportive nations is a critical aspect of the ongoing Yemen crisis.
“عملية سلمية” أم هجوم جوي؟ تصريحات متضاربة
Salem al-Khanbashi, the governor of Hadhramout, who enjoys Saudi backing, announced the launch of a “peaceful operation” to regain control of military sites captured by the STC during their December offensive. However, this claim was immediately met with skepticism.
Just minutes after the “peaceful operation” announcement, Amr al-Bidh, the STC’s special representative for foreign affairs, accused Saudi Arabia of deceit. He stated that Saudi Arabia intentionally misled the international community, adding, “Saudi Arabia knowingly misled the international community by announcing a ‘peaceful operation’ that they never had any intention to keep peaceful. This was evidenced by the fact that they launched seven air strikes minutes later.” Al-Bidh sharply criticized Riyadh’s actions, highlighting the contradiction between their public statements and their military conduct.
اتهامات سعودية وتصعيد في اللهجة تجاه المجلس الانتقالي
The escalation isn’t limited to military action. Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, publicly blamed the leadership of the STC for hindering diplomatic efforts. He specifically accused Aidarus al-Zubaidi, the chairman of the STC and vice-president of the PLC, of refusing to allow a Saudi delegation to land in Aden for de-escalation talks.
Jaber alleged that al-Zubaidi directed the closure of Aden’s airspace, effectively preventing the Saudi team from reaching the city. He further criticized al-Zubaidi’s “unilateral decisions” and described his offensive in Hadhramaut and al-Mahra as a “military attack” accompanied by security disruptions and the intimidation of civilians. Jaber framed these actions as detrimental to the interests of southern Yemen and its aspirations for autonomy, suggesting they are pushing a divisive agenda.
انسحاب الإمارات وتأثيره على المشهد اليمني
Adding another layer of complexity, the UAE recently announced the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen. This announcement followed a Saudi strike on an Emirati shipment arriving in the port of Mukalla. Riyadh had criticized the UAE for “pressuring” the STC to undertake military operations near its southern border.
Abu Dhabi responded to the Saudi criticism, claiming that the statements contained “fundamental inaccuracies.” However, shortly after the Saudi strike, and at the behest of the head of the PLC, the Emirati defense ministry confirmed its withdrawal. While the UAE’s military presence in Yemen was relatively small, the move signals a shift in the regional dynamics and a diminishing Emirati role in the conflict. The withdrawal underscores the intensifying competition for influence in Yemen and particularly the south. Considering the recent political developments, the move is certain to have repercussions.
الآثار المترتبة والمخاوف المستقبلية
The recent air strikes and the escalating rhetoric from Riyadh raise serious concerns about the future of Yemen. The fragile peace process, already hampered by years of civil war, is now facing a significant setback. The potential for further violence and instability remains high.
The conflict also risks exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where millions of people are in need of assistance. The disruption of aid deliveries and the displacement of civilians due to the fighting could push more people into poverty and hunger. The international community needs to urgently engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent further bloodshed.
In conclusion, the recent Saudi air strikes demonstrate a sharp escalation in the conflict in Yemen, particularly concerning the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the STC. The situation is fraught with complexity, involving regional power struggles, internal political divisions, and a devastating humanitarian crisis. A renewed focus on dialogue and cooperation is crucial to achieving a lasting and stable peace in the country. Further analysis of these political developments is necessary to understand the full extent of their impact on the Yemeni people and the broader region.