Armed separatist forces backed by the United Arab Emirates rapidly seized large parts of Hadramout, an oil-rich region in eastern Yemen, in a swift offensive that disrupted a fragile calm in the country. The Southern Transitional Council, which seeks an independent southern Yemen, took control of key cities and military bases, facing little resistance from rival forces. This move highlights growing tensions between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, who have diverged in their support for different factions in Yemen's complex conflict. The takeover has led to a halt in oil production and widespread blackouts, with local residents expressing hope for restored stability and basic services amid the shifting power dynamics.