The Take Who controls Yemen now and why it matters
10 snips
Jan 28, 2026 Abubakr Al-Shamahi, Al Jazeera editor and Yemeni affairs analyst based in North Carolina. He maps who controls Yemen now, explains Saudi strikes like the Mukalla incident, and teases the Saudi-UAE rift. Discussion covers STC versus Riyadh, UAE influence and detention claims, Houthi positions, and the humanitarian stakes as alliances shift.
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Houthis Hold The North; South Is Contested
- The Houthis retain firm control over northwestern Yemen including Sana'a.
- Power struggles now center on the south and east between the STC and the internationally recognized government.
Hadramawt Advance Crossed Saudi Red Line
- The STC's capture of Hadramawt pushed its influence to the Saudi border and crossed Riyadh's red line.
- Saudi concerns shifted from tolerating the STC to confronting UAE-backed advances near its frontier.
Saudi Strike Signaled Public Rift With UAE
- Saudi Arabia launched direct strikes on a shipment from the UAE to the STC, signaling a public rift with an ally.
- The attack surprised observers because Gulf partners rarely confront each other so openly.