The recent attempt by the Southern Transitional Council to seize control of Yemen's Hadramawt and Mahra provinces has been reversed by forces backed by Saudi Arabia, marking a setback for southern separatist ambitions. The clashes highlight a deeper power struggle between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with each country supporting different factions and pursuing divergent regional strategies. The United Arab Emirates backs the Southern Transitional Council and prioritizes opposition to Islamist movements, while Saudi Arabia is increasingly aligned with Sunni Islamist groups supported by Turkey and Qatar.

This rivalry is not only about territorial control but also reflects broader ideological and strategic differences, including competition over Yemen's valuable oil and gas resources. The failed Southern Transitional Council offensive underscores the limits of Emirati influence and the dominance of Saudi air power in the region. As these Gulf powers pursue their competing visions for governance and regional alliances, the conflict in Yemen remains a focal point for wider shifts in Middle Eastern politics.