Riyadh’s Demand to the UAE Exposed Cracks in the Yemeni Coalition

The statement by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanding that the United Arab Emirates withdraw its military forces from southern Yemen reflects not a minor diplomatic dispute, but a systemic shift within the coalition formed to support Yemen’s government. This move fits into a broader picture of redistribution of influence in the south of the country.

The Saudi-led coalition was initially built around support for the so-called legitimate government of Yemen and opposition to the Houthis. Over time, however, the UAE developed its own line of action, relying on southern forces, including structures not fully controlled by Riyadh. This led to a divergence of interests that had previously been smoothed over through informal arrangements.

The demand to withdraw Emirati troops within 24 hours marks a transition from concealed rivalry to open pressure. Riyadh’s statement directly notes that Abu Dhabi’s actions do not correspond to the principles of the coalition. In this way, Saudi Arabia is seeking to restore control over the southern track and to emphasize the priority of Yemen’s central authorities on which it relies.

For the UAE, the situation looks different. Its presence in southern Yemen is linked to securing influence over ports, trade routes, and local security structures. A withdrawal of troops without preserving these positions would mean the loss of long-term strategic assets, making compliance with the ultimatum politically and militarily sensitive.

The consequences of a conflict between allies could be significant. A weakening of coordination within the coalition increases instability in Yemen, complicates negotiation processes, and creates additional centers of power. For the region, this means greater uncertainty and the risk of further fragmentation of the country.

At the same time, it remains unclear whether the ultimatum will lead to an actual troop withdrawal or become a tool of pressure to revise existing arrangements. Saudi Arabia has expressed hope for preserving bilateral relations, indicating room for compromise. However, the very fact of a public demand shows that contradictions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have moved beyond closed-door diplomacy and have become a factor directly influencing the course of the Yemeni conflict.

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