UAE and Saudi Arabia Coordinate to Counter Houthi Gains

The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have agreed to coordinate military efforts in Yemen to counter recent gains by Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Under the new agreement, the UAE will resume funding for southern government forces, specifically the Giant Brigades, while Saudi Arabia will provide the necessary air cover for these operations.

This cooperation follows a period of significant friction between the two allies. The UAE ceased operations in January, and Saudi Arabia previously bombed UAE arms shipments intended for the Southern Transition Council. The renewed alliance comes as Houthi forces intensify their campaign, launching drone and missile attacks on Saudi infrastructure and striking the presidential palace and airport in Aden.

Regional and international responses have escalated alongside the conflict. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi convened an emergency parliamentary session to authorize military action in defense of Saudi Arabia. Simultaneously, the United Kingdom is reviewing a Saudi request for additional military aid, though officials are weighing the legal implications of arms exports following a 2019 court ruling regarding previous campaigns in the region.