Saudi-Backed Forces Seize Control of Yemen’s Al-Mahra Military Bases Amid Rising Tensions with UAE

In the ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Yemen, forces affiliated with Riyadh have taken full control of all military bases in the border province of Al-Mahra in eastern Yemen.

According to regional media citing local officials, the deployment of Saudi-backed forces to these bases followed clashes between elements loyal to Riyadh and groups allied with the UAE. These officials emphasized that the security situation in the province’s military areas is now entirely under Saudi control.

Local authorities have also warned that legal actions will be taken against individuals involved in attacks on the Al-Mahra military bases, though no further details about the nature of these actions have been disclosed.

In recent days, Saudi Arabia has sought to expand its influence in eastern Yemen, including the provinces of Hadramout and Al-Mahra, by sidelining forces affiliated with Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council, which is supported by the UAE. This move has intensified the rivalry between the two former allies in the war-torn country.