Yemen’s Aden International Airport closed on Thursday due to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stranding many passengers. This shutdown highlights an escalating crisis between the two Gulf nations over control of Yemen’s resource-rich eastern provinces. Military operations backed by Saudi Arabia resulted in multiple fatalities.Air traffic was suspended following new flight restrictions imposed by Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is supported by Riyadh. Instead of compliance, Yemen’s transport minister, aligned with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced a total shutdown, leaving travellers in difficult situations, especially those needing urgent medical care.

The aviation discord exemplifies a larger divide fracturing the Saudi-led coalition involved in the Yemen conflict. Recent Saudi airstrikes targeted an STC military camp in Al-Khasah, resulting in numerous casualties. Saudi-backed forces initiated a military campaign aimed at reclaiming control over territory occupied by the STC.

Gulf Powers

The situation escalated when the STC seized extensive regions in Hadramout and Al-Mahra provinces. Saudi Arabia publicly condemned the UAE’s activities as a threat to its national security and demanded troop withdrawal. In response, the UAE refuted the claims and prepared to withdraw its forces, although the STC has remained entrenched in its positions.

The current conflict marks a significant public feud between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. They have collaborated since 2015 to combat the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, but their diverging interests have increasingly placed them in opposition.

UAE stock markets experienced mixed results on Friday, reflecting the ongoing regional tensions. Dubai’s index rose 1.1 percent, primarily driven by gains in Emaar Development and Emirates NBD Bank. Conversely, Abu Dhabi’s index remained stable, impacted by a downturn in Abu Dhabi National Energy Company.

Russia has provided the United States with purported evidence suggesting Ukraine’s involvement in a drone attack aimed at President Vladimir Putin’s residence. This assertion comes as the CIA and other Western officials have dismissed the claims as disinformation.Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of Russia’s military intelligence, presented a navigation controller from a downed drone to a U.S. military attache. Russian officials claim that the device’s data indicates the drones targeted Putin’s residence in an attack on December 29, involving 91 drones.

The CIA briefed President Donald Trump that Ukraine did not target Putin or his residence during the incident, asserting that the drones were aimed at a military facility instead. This assessment was communicated to Trump on December 31.

Ukraine has refuted the allegations, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemning them as fabrications meant to justify further attacks and hinder peace discussions. The country’s Center for Countering Disinformation pointed out the lack of evidence, such as air defense activity or drone crash footage.

Diplomatic Ramifications

The situation arose shortly after Trump met with Zelenskyy to discuss potential peace agreements. Trump’s initial anger towards Putin’s claims shifted to skepticism as he later shared opinions that criticized Russia’s role in the peace process.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas labelled Russia’s assertions as distractions aimed at hindering diplomatic negotiations. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov implied that the incident might lead Moscow to reconsider its stance in ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the conflict.