UAE-backed separatists seize southern Yemen; airspace briefly closed

• UAE-backed separatists (STC) expanded control in southern Yemen, seizing oil-rich Hadhramaut and other key areas.
• Yemen's airspace was briefly closed, seen as a "Saudi message" in response to the STC's military advances.
• The STC hoisted the South Yemen flag, advocating for an independent southern state, reminiscent of 1967-1990.
• Yemeni government officials condemned the STC's unilateral actions, which threaten to fracture the anti-Houthi alliance.
• The STC justified its actions as necessary to restore stability and combat Houthis, al-Qaida, and IS in the region.

Why It Matters: Separatist gains in Yemen threaten the anti-Houthi alliance and shift regional power.