UAE resume funding anti-Houthi forces in Yemen, Saudi Arabia to provide air cover

Resumption of financial support and aviation alliance

The United Arab Emirates have decided to re-engage in the conflict in Yemen. The country has resumed payments to parts of the government forces fighting the Iran-backed Houthis in the south of the state. In response, Saudi Arabia has committed to providing these formations with air cover. The Guardian reports on these agreements, citing sources in Yemen.

The role of the 'Giants Brigades' and previous pause

Southern military alliances, including the 'Giants Brigades', previously received both funding and training from the UAE. These forces are considered among the most effective in the complex anti-Houthi coalition. However, in January this year, the Emirates ceased their presence in Yemen and stopped funding these units.

Gulf states convergence against threats

The new deal has become the first notable signal of a possible convergence of positions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which previously had deep disagreements over the future of Yemen. The active advance of the Houthis across the country is heightening alarm among regional states. Saudi Arabia faces daily attacks by drones and missiles. According to the publication, these strikes are disrupting the operation of airports and parts of the kingdom's energy infrastructure.

Course of hostilities and recent attacks

The UN-recognised government of Yemen, based in Aden, declared a counter-offensive last week with the aim of dislodging the Houthis from the capital, Sanaa. However, the offensive operations have so far had limited success, particularly in the areas of Madjar near Marib and the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.

On Friday, the Houthis launched two missiles at Aden airport at a time when a passenger plane was preparing for takeoff. Yemen's Information Minister Muammar al-Iryani reported that the missiles landed approximately 500 metres from a Yemenia Airways aircraft and 100 metres from the middle of the runway. No information on casualties has been received.

Consequences of escalation

This attack occurred the day after a Houthi strike on the presidential palace in Aden, which resulted in at least five people killed and 16 injured. According to UN data, more than 200,000 people have been displaced by the war since August, while the exact number of deaths during this period remains unknown.