Is Saudi Arabia losing its influence in Yemen after ten years of war
Report – Al-Khabar Al-Yemeni:
After ten years of Saudi Arabia leading a broad military coalition in 2015 against Yemen in an attempt to reshape the Yemeni political landscape in its favor, peace in Yemen was nearly achieved, according to former UN envoy Jamal Bin Omar. In televised statements, he confirmed that Yemenis were on the verge of reaching a comprehensive agreement before the Saudi military intervention. Today, Riyadh’s influence in the north and south has become more limited than ever, amidst the rise of new local powers and an increasingly fierce competitive struggle between Saudi Arabia and its coalition partner, the Emirates.
Northern Yemen: Nearly Non-Existent Saudi Influence:
Since 2015, the equation has fundamentally changed in the northern governorates. The Sana’a government has tightened its control over most northern areas, bolstering its military power and popular status, which has made Riyadh lose the ability to influence the course of events.
Today, Saudi Arabia possesses no actual presence in northern Yemen, following the diminished role of local forces allied with it and the cohesion of Sana’a’s authority, which has become a regional player that can’t be bypassed. Saudi Arabia now only has the forces of the Islah party in the cities of Marib and Taiz, but it suffers from weakness and doesn’t seem capable of fighting large-scale battles.
The South: Emirati Presence and Saudi Retreat:
In the southern governorates, the scene is taking a more complex turn. In recent days, the Emirati-backed Southern Transitional Council has extended its control over vast areas in Al-Mahrah and Hadramout, following the withdrawal of forces from the First Military Region, which is affiliated with the Islah party, Saudi Arabia’s traditional ally.
Despite Saudi pressure to withdraw STC forces from Hadramout and replace them with Riyadh-loyal “Nation Shield” forces, the STC leadership refuses, relying on broad
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