Saudi Demands UAE-Backed Separatists Quit Yemen Governorates Amidst Coalition Tensions

• Saudi Arabia formally urged UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists to withdraw from Yemen's Hadramout and Mahra governorates.
• The move risks internal conflict within the Saudi-led coalition fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, which has already killed over 150,000.
• Saudi Arabia supports the National Shield Forces, while the UAE backs the STC, which seeks South Yemen's secession.
• Saudi Foreign Ministry warned against destabilizing actions and confirmed ongoing negotiations for STC to return to previous positions.
• The Yemen conflict, ongoing since 2014, has caused a severe humanitarian crisis and seen Houthis disrupt Red Sea shipping.

Why It Matters: Saudi Arabia pressures UAE-backed separatists to withdraw, highlighting deep rifts in Yemen's anti-Houthi alliance.