Forces aligned with Yemen's primary separatist group have levelled serious accusations against a former ally, claiming Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes against their positions. The alleged strikes represent a potentially major fracture within the complex coalition of forces involved in Yemen's long-running war.
Allegations of Airstrikes from a Former Ally
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks an independent state in southern Yemen, publicly accused the Saudi-led military coalition of conducting air raids against its forces. The STC is a key component of the anti-Houthi alliance that has been backed for years by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This public accusation signals a dramatic and open rift between the separatists and Riyadh, which has historically provided them with financial and military support.
The specific details of the alleged incident, including the exact location and the extent of any casualties or damage, were not immediately elaborated upon in the initial report from December 26, 2025. However, the mere issuance of the accusation by the STC marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nominal partners. Analysts suggest this could be linked to ongoing disputes over control of territory and resources in southern Yemen, particularly the crucial port city of Aden.
Background of a Fractured Alliance
The war in Yemen, which began in 2014, has created a tangled web of alliances. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The STC, while opposed to the Houthis, has frequently clashed with the Saudi-backed government over its own ambitions for southern secession.
This latest allegation suggests the fragile alliance between the STC and the coalition may be unraveling further. Previous agreements, such as the Riyadh Agreement signed in 2019, aimed to create a power-sharing arrangement between the STC and the Yemeni government, but implementation has been fraught with difficulties and sporadic violence.
Potential Consequences for Regional Stability
If confirmed, direct military action by Saudi coalition aircraft against STC forces would represent a dangerous new phase in the conflict. It could trigger widespread fighting between former allies, further fracturing the anti-Houthi bloc and potentially strengthening the position of the Houthi rebels.
The Saudi government has not issued an immediate public comment on the specific allegations. The situation underscores the volatile and multi-layered nature of the Yemeni conflict, where battle lines and alliances are constantly shifting. The incident raises serious questions about the future cohesion of the coalition and the prospects for any lasting political settlement in Yemen, which remains home to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
