Yemen is facing deepening divisions as tensions escalate between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two key Middle Eastern powers involved in the country's ongoing conflict. The Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting northern Houthi rebels for years, is now experiencing internal rifts, particularly in the south where the Southern Transition Council, backed by the United Arab Emirates, seeks independence for South Yemen.

Recent clashes erupted when the Southern Transition Council advanced into oil-rich regions previously held by Saudi-backed forces, prompting Saudi Arabia to respond with airstrikes and diplomatic pressure. The situation intensified after arms shipments from the United Arab Emirates arrived for the Southern Transition Council, leading to calls for the United Arab Emirates to withdraw its forces from Yemen.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government, based in the south, has struggled to maintain control as the Southern Transition Council seized key facilities and the Presidential Palace in Aden, forcing government leaders to flee. The government has since expelled the Southern Transition Council leader and accused him of treason, while the Southern Transition Council voiced concerns over the safety of its delegation in Saudi Arabia.