Saudi Airstrikes Kill 20 UAE-Backed Separatists in Yemen, Escalating Coalition Conflict

• Saudi-led coalition airstrikes killed 20 UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) fighters in Yemen's Hadramout province.
• The strikes targeted STC positions in al-Khashaa and Seiyun, marking a major escalation between nominal coalition partners Saudi Arabia and UAE.
• This conflict stems from STC's recent territorial gains in strategic Hadramout and Mahra provinces, bordering Saudi Arabia.
• A previous Saudi strike on Mukalla port, targeting an alleged Emirati-origin weapons shipment, and UAE's withdrawal message preceded this escalation.
• The internal coalition conflict has disrupted operations at Aden International Airport, with both sides offering differing accounts.

Why It Matters: Saudi-UAE tensions in Yemen have erupted into open conflict, with Saudi airstrikes targeting UAE-backed STC.