Yemen Government Launches Operation Against UAE-Backed Separatists | January 2026

Yemen’s Saudi-Backed Government Launches Operation Against UAE-Backed Southern Separatists

Yemen’s long-running conflict entered a new and potentially dangerous phase on 2 January 2026, as the Saudi-backed Yemeni government announced the launch of a military operation against UAE-supported southern separatist forces, sharply escalating tensions in the country’s south and exposing deepening rifts among former regional allies.

The internationally recognised Yemeni government said the operation aims to restore state authority over military bases, public institutions, and strategic locations that have recently come under the control of the Southern Transitional Council (STC). Government officials stressed that the move is not intended to spark a new internal war, but rather to reassert central authority and prevent further fragmentation of the country.

According to official statements, security and military responsibility in key southern provinces — particularly Hadramout — has been transferred to local authorities and army commanders loyal to the government. Officials argue that the continued expansion of separatist forces poses a direct threat to Yemen’s unity and political stability at a time when the country remains extremely fragile after years of conflict.

However, the STC strongly rejected the government’s narrative. Separatist leaders accused Saudi-backed forces of launching direct military attacks, including airstrikes and coordinated ground movements, against their positions. STC officials claim that several of their camps and installations were targeted shortly after the operation was announced, describing the move as an attempt to forcibly weaken southern self-rule ambitions.

The confrontation highlights a growing divide between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two countries that for years operated as close partners in Yemen against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. While Saudi Arabia continues to support a unified Yemeni state under a central government, the UAE has backed southern forces advocating greater autonomy — and in some cases, full independence for southern Yemen.

In recent months, the STC has consolidated its influence across several southern areas, including parts of Aden, Hadramout, and Al-Mahra, triggering alarm within the Yemeni government. Officials argue that these advances undermine previous political agreements and risk turning the south into a separate power centre beyond state control.

Efforts at mediation reportedly stalled after disagreements over authority, access, and military deployments. Saudi officials had pushed for dialogue and de-escalation, but the failure of these initiatives appears to have paved the way for the current operation. The escalation has also disrupted security arrangements and transportation in the south, adding to growing civilian uncertainty.

Regional analysts warn that the latest developments could have serious consequences beyond Yemen’s borders. Strained Saudi-UAE relations may complicate broader Gulf security coordination, while renewed fighting risks worsening Yemen’s already severe humanitarian crisis. Millions of Yemenis remain dependent on aid, and any expansion of hostilities could further restrict access to essential services.

The international community has reacted with concern. Western governments and diplomatic missions have urged all sides to exercise restraint and return to negotiations, warning that internal conflict among anti-Houthi factions only prolongs instability. United Nations officials have reiterated that Yemen cannot sustain another prolonged military confrontation without devastating consequences for civilians.

As of early January 2026, the situation remains fluid. The government insists it will continue its operation until state authority is restored, while the STC has signalled it will defend its positions. With alliances shifting and trust eroding, Yemen once again stands at a critical crossroads.

Unless urgent diplomatic efforts succeed, this latest confrontation risks deepening Yemen’s divisions and delaying any realistic path toward peace in a country that has already endured more than a decade of war.