Airstrikes kill 20 UAE-backed separatists in Yemen as Saudi-UAE tensions spill into open conflict

Strikes hit bases in Hadramout as Riyadh demands STC pullback; UAE signals de-escalation and says its remaining forces have left Yemen.

• 20 UAE-backed separatists killed in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen
• Saudi Arabia targets STC after territorial gains in Hadramout and Mahra
• Flights disrupted at Aden airport amid Saudi-UAE tensions over STC control

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At least 20 UAE-backed separatist fighters were killed in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen on Friday, Al Jazeera reported, in a sharp escalation between coalition partners as Saudi Arabia moves against the Southern Transitional Council (STC) after its recent territorial gains in the east.

The strikes, which reportedly hit military sites in al-Khashaa and Seiyun in Hadramout, came days after a separate Saudi-led coalition strike on the port of Mukalla and amid UAE announcements about withdrawing remaining forces from Yemen.

What happened on Friday

Al Jazeera cited reporting that the Saudi-led coalition carried out air raids targeting STC positions in Yemen’s east. An STC military official, quoted by AFP in Al Jazeera coverage, said 20 fighters were killed in attacks on bases in al-Khashaa and Seiyun.

The strikes reportedly hit the airport and military base in Seiyun, and witnesses said blasts were felt across the area.

Why this is a big deal: the coalition is hitting its own side

This is not the usual Saudi-led coalition vs Houthis story. It’s Saudi Arabia escalating against the UAE-backed STC, a nominal partner in the broader anti-Houthi coalition formed in 2015.

Reuters and AP both describe this as the most serious rupture in years between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over Yemen’s government-held territories, where each backs different factions.

The immediate trigger: Hadramout and Mahra

Al Jazeera reported that the air raids followed moves by Saudi-backed forces to “peacefully and systematically” take back military sites in Hadramout from the STC—language the STC and its allies dispute.

The STC has recently expanded control in Hadramout and Mahra-strategic, resource-linked provinces that also border Saudi Arabia, raising alarm in Riyadh.

A Saudi source, cited in reporting, warned the attacks would not stop unless STC forces withdraw from the two governorates.

The Mukalla spark and UAE’s withdrawal message

This week’s escalation traces back to the Saudi-led coalition’s strike on Mukalla port, which Saudi Arabia said targeted an Emirati-origin shipment it alleged carried weapons for separatists, an allegation the UAE rejected. Al Jazeera reported the episode and the UAE’s subsequent move to withdraw remaining troops.

Fallout beyond the battlefield: flights disrupted at Aden airport

Al Jazeera also reported disruption around Aden International Airport, amid a wider Saudi-UAE clash over control, inspections, and air access tied to STC-run authorities. Reuters similarly reported flight halts and competing claims over who imposed what restrictions.

What each side is saying

STC stance: Al Jazeera reported STC-linked voices framing the confrontation as existential and accusing Riyadh of bad faith, including claims that “peaceful” operations quickly turned into airstrikes.

Saudi-backed authorities in Hadramout: Governor Salem al-Khanbashi said the operation was not a declaration of war and aimed at an orderly handover of sites.

UAE message: UAE officials signaled de-escalation and said remaining forces had left Yemen, according to Al Jazeera coverage.