Yemen’s anti-Houthi coalition is facing renewed instability following a sharp political rift involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and rival Yemeni factions, raising concerns over further fragmentation of the war-torn country.

The latest crisis erupted after Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Rashad al-Alimi ordered UAE forces to withdraw from Yemen, canceled a joint defense arrangement and declared emergency measures, including a temporary embargo and plans for Saudi-backed forces to take control of military camps in eastern provinces. The move was presented as a step to protect national security.

However, the decision was swiftly rejected by other PLC members, notably the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC and several council members said the PLC is a collective authority and accused al-Alimi of making unilateral and illegal decisions. They reaffirmed the UAE’s role as a key partner in fighting the Houthis, counterterrorism and securing maritime routes.

The political fallout coincided with Saudi-led airstrikes on the port of Mukalla and unusually public accusations between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Saudi Arabia alleged the UAE supplied weapons to separatist forces without authorization, a claim denied by the UAE, which said the equipment was meant for its own forces and coordinated with coalition partners.

At the heart of the dispute are Yemen’s oil-rich eastern provinces of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah, which hold strategic ports and border areas critical to Saudi security. STC forces recently expanded their presence in these regions, heightening tensions with Saudi-backed units.

Analysts say the crisis exposes deeper structural divisions within the anti-Houthi camp, where competing regional agendas and local ambitions have long coexisted uneasily. While Saudi Arabia prioritizes border security and stability, the STC continues to push for greater autonomy or independence for southern Yemen.

With troop movements reported and political unity eroding, the standoff risks escalating into open confrontation, further weakening the anti-Houthi coalition and complicating efforts to stabilize Yemen after more than a decade of conflict.