The simmering tension between Gulf powerhouses Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has erupted into a diplomatic crisis over Yemen. Riyadh has publicly accused Abu Dhabi of orchestrating a Hollywood-style covert operation to smuggle a separatist leader out of Aden.

Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), reportedly fled via boat to Somaliland before being flown to the UAE, allegedly to escape treason charges leveled by the Saudi-backed presidential council. The incident exposes the deep fractures in the anti-Houthi coalition.

The Horn of Africa Connection

The escape route—utilizing the port of Berbera in Somaliland—drags East Africa into the conflict. It highlights the UAE's strategic military footprint in the Horn of Africa, which it uses to project power into Yemen.

• Proxy Interests: Saudi Arabia wants a unified Yemen to secure its southern border. The UAE, conversely, supports the STC secessionists to maintain control over Yemen’s strategic ports and waterways.
• Somalia's Stance: The use of Somaliland airspace without Mogadishu's consent is a violation of Somalia's sovereignty, further complicating the delicate relations in the Horn.
• Escalation: In response, Saudi-led forces have launched airstrikes on STC camps. The allies are now effectively fighting a proxy war against each other while technically fighting the Houthis together.

A Region on Edge

This rupture threatens to destabilize the Red Sea corridor, a vital trade route for Kenya. If the Gulf giants clash, the waves will be felt from Aden to Mombasa.