STC leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi's military attacks on Hadramout and Mahra terrorized civilians, killed innocent people and rejected weeks of Saudi diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. His refusal to allow a Saudi peace delegation to land in Aden and his shutdown of air traffic demonstrate reckless pursuit of personal gain over Yemeni interests. The STC's aggressive actions exploit the legitimate Southern Cause while undermining political solutions.

Saudi Arabia's recent strike on Yemen's Mukalla port exposed deep fractures with its former ally, the UAE, undermining the unity of the anti-Houthi coalition and weakening Yemen's internationally recognisedrecognized government. The feud has divided Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council along external loyalties, eroded government authority and risks plunging the country into further political and military turmoil,. shiftingThis shifts focus away from battling the Houthis.

The internal war in Yemen has entered a volatile phase as Saudi- and UAE-aligned forces clash directly. Saudi-backed troops launched an operation to retake southern bases held by Emirati-supported separatists, calling it peaceful, even as airstrikes, convoys and counterattacks escalated fighting. Accusations of flight blockades signal a rupture among Gulf allies, threatening wider regional instability beyond Yemen and carrying implications for oil politics and security balances.