Saudi Arabia has reportedly drawn firm red lines over the United Arab Emirates’ actions in Yemen and Sudan, signalling growing strategic tensions between the regional allies. The development underscores shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and Africa, as both nations recalibrate their military, diplomatic, and security priorities amid ongoing conflicts and regional power competition.

Yemen, Sudan Spark Rift Between UAE & Saudi: MBS Puts Abu Dabhi On Notice

Houthi authorities in Yemen have detained more than 20 Christians over the past three months, primarily between late November 2025 and early February 2026, conducting warrantless raids in areas under their control, including Sanaa and Ibb. Human Rights Watch reported that these actions constitute a campaign of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances. 


Houthis Detained Over 20 Christians in the Last 3 Months, Witnesses Describe Warrantless Raids

Yemen’s internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are facing a deepening winter crisis, with freezing temperatures, inadequate shelter, and scarce heating supplies worsening living conditions. Humanitarian agencies warn of a growing humanitarian emergency, as children, women, and the elderly are most affected

Yemen: Winter Crisis Deepens in Yemen's IDP Camps 

Yemen's internationally recognized government undergoes major overhaul following the Southern Transitional Council (STC) crisis, with Prime Minister Salem bin Breik resigning and Shaya Zindani appointed as successor.


Major Overhaul in Yemen's Internationally Recognised Govt After STC Crisis

In 2026, global stability is threatened by escalating conflicts from the Middle East to the Sahel. Israel continues strikes in Syria and Gaza, while Sudan faces a deepening displacement crisis. Tensions in Iran, Yemen and the Taiwan Strait add to the volatile outlook for the year ahead.

'From Iran to Syria': 7 Conflicts to watch in 2026

A surge in late-night pizza orders near the Pentagon has revived the "Pizza Index" theory, sparking speculation of intense military activity. Trackers noted spikes at pizzerias like Pizzato Pizza aligning with US operations, echoing historical patterns from past crises. 

Pentagon Pizza Surge Signals Heightened Military Activity

Thousands of Yemenis rallied Saturday in the southern city of Aden in a show of support for a separatist group backed by the United Arab Emirates, a day after it dissolved itself following clashes with forces of Yemen’s internationally recognized government.


Yemen Protests: Thousands Rally in Support of Yemen's Main Separatist Group 

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen has announced that the leader of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC) has fled to the United Arab Emirates via Somaliland after skipping planned peace talks in Riyadh, accusing the UAE of smuggling him out of the country.


Yemen crisis: Saudi-led coalition says STC’s Alzubidi fled to UAE

A Saudi-led coalition struck the home province of Yemen's UAE-backed separatist leader on Wednesday, after he failed to show up for talks in Riyadh and was kicked out of the country's presidential body.

Saudi-Yemen Conflict: Saudi Strikes Yemen After STC Leader Skips Talks 

The Saudi-led coalition on Wednesday (Jan 7) said that it launched ‘limited pre-emptive strikes’ in Yemen to prevent UAE-backed secessionists from escalating the conflict. It added that the leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, has “fled to an unknown location”. The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane. This comes amid the ongoing tensions in the region. Watch for more details!


Yemen's Saudi-led coalition attacks home province of STC leader 

Yemen's Saudi-backed government has reclaimed Hadramaut and Al-Mahra governorates after the Southern Transitional Council (STC) withdrew from Seiyun airport and other strategic positions. The move marks a significant territorial gain for the internationally recognized government amid shifting alliances in the multi-front civil war. 

Yemen's Govt Forces Rapidly Gain Territory From UAE-backed STC 

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces have retaken several provinces from the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). Rapid military advances signal a shift in control over strategic regions, with authorities emphasizing restoration of stability.

Yemen: Saudi-Backed Government Retakes Provinces from STC

STC Retreats: Saudi-Backed Forces Regain Control of Key Yemen Provinces

Saudi-backed troops on Saturday retook the resource-rich Yemeni province of Hadramawt, Yemen's presidency said, after confrontations between forces backed by Riyadh and Abu Dhabi deepened a rift between the two Gulf allies.

Saudi-Backed Forces Take Swathes of STC-Controlled Areas 

Saudi Backed Troops Take Control of Hadramawt

Earlier on Friday (Jan 2), Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on two military bases, an airport, and other sites, killing 20.

Saudi urges ‘dialogue’ in Riyadh as Yemen separatists announce independence transition after deadly strikes

Saudi-led coalition fighter jets struck forces loyal to Yemen’s UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the Hadhramaut province on Friday after they allegedly set up ambushes targeting Yemeni government troops during the handover of military positions, said Yemen’s Information Ministry undersecretary.

Yemen Crisis: Saudi-Led Coalition Strikes Kill UAE-Backed Fighters in Yemen

Saudi-led coalition fighter jets struck forces loyal to Yemen’s UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the Hadhramaut province on Friday after they allegedly set up ambushes targeting Yemeni government troops during the handover of military positions, said Yemen’s Information Ministry undersecretary.


Deadly Strikes Hit Yemen! Saudi-Led Coalition Hits UAE-Backed Fighters 

Breaking | STC: Saudi Arabia struck military camp in Hadhramaut, multiple casualties caused

Flights from Aden International Airport in Yemen were halted amid escalating tensions between the Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists and the Saudi Arabia-backed internationally recognised government. Conflicting claims emerged over whether Saudi authorities required Aden–UAE flights to undergo inspections in Jeddah.

Flights Suspended at Aden Airport as Yemen Tensions Rise Between STC and Saudi-Backed Govt

The UAE backs the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) that seized large parts of southern Yemen from the internationally recognised government last month, but Saudi Arabia, which backs the government, regarded the move as a threat.

Yemen’s Aden airport air traffic halted amid Saudi-UAE rivalry as rift deepens; passengers stranded

Yemen’s civil war enters a dangerous new phase as Saudi Arabia launches strikes against forces backed by the United Arab Emirates, exposing deep fractures within the coalition fighting in Yemen. The escalation raises fears of wider regional instability, shifting alliances, and renewed violence in an already devastated country, with civilians once again caught in the crossfire.

Yemen's Civil War: Saudi Arabia Strikes UAE Backed Forces 

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Yemen, Sudan Spark Rift Between UAE & Saudi: MBS Puts Abu Dabhi On Notice

Houthis Detained Over 20 Christians in the Last 3 Months, Witnesses Describe Warrantless Raids

Yemen: Winter Crisis Deepens in Yemen's IDP Camps

Major Overhaul in Yemen's Internationally Recognised Govt After STC Crisis

'From Iran to Syria': 7 Conflicts to watch in 2026

Pentagon Pizza Surge Signals Heightened Military Activity

Yemen Protests: Thousands Rally in Support of Yemen's Main Separatist Group

Yemen crisis: Saudi-led coalition says STC’s Alzubidi fled to UAE

Saudi-Yemen Conflict: Saudi Strikes Yemen After STC Leader Skips Talks

Yemen's Saudi-led coalition attacks home province of STC leader

Yemen's Govt Forces Rapidly Gain Territory From UAE-backed STC

Yemen: Saudi-Backed Government Retakes Provinces from STC

STC Retreats: Saudi-Backed Forces Regain Control of Key Yemen Provinces

Saudi-Backed Forces Take Swathes of STC-Controlled Areas

Saudi Backed Troops Take Control of Hadramawt

Saudi urges ‘dialogue’ as Yemen separatists announce independence transition

Yemen Crisis: Saudi-Led Coalition Strikes Kill UAE-Backed Fighters in Yemen

Yemen Crisis: Saudi-Led Coalition Strikes Kill UAE-Backed Fighters in Yemen

Deadly Strikes Hit Yemen! Saudi-Led Coalition Hits UAE-Backed Fighters

Breaking | STC: Saudi Arabia struck military camp in Hadhramaut, multiple casualties caused

Flights Suspended at Aden Airport as Yemen Tensions Rise Between STC and Saudi-Backed Govt

Yemen’s Aden airport air traffic halted amid Saudi-UAE rivalry as rift deepens

Yemen's Civil War: Saudi Arabia Strikes UAE Backed Forces

Yemen's Civil War: Saudi Arabia Strikes UAE Backed Forces