1. The Saudi-led coalition seized an opportunity to unite a broader coalition of Yemeni actors against the al Houthi movement after the death of former Yemeni President Al Abdullah Saleh.
The expanded military coalition renewed campaigns on multiple key fronts in Yemen against al Houthi positions and has isolated the al Houthi movement politically.
2. Al Houthi movement forces fired a ballistic missile at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 19 to test Saudi and American responses.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley presented evidence of Iranian Violations – transferring ballistic missile capabilities and other weapons to Yemen’s al Houthi movement – at a December 14 press conference and argued for the UN to hold Iran accountable for these transfers on December 19. Saudi Arabia responded to the most recent attack by saying ports would be left open.
3. The incorporation of forces affiliated with the Islah (reform) party and the resumption of efforts led by Yemeni Vice President Field Marshal Ali Mohsen al Ahmar have pressured al Houthi positions on the eastern front line.
The UAE shifted its position on the Islah party, which includes members of the Muslim Brotherhood, on December 13, to pull Islah into the anti-al Houthi alliance. Ali Mohsen pledged to advance his forces toward Sana’a after Saleh defected from the al Houthi movement.
4. Emirati backed Yemeni forces, supported by Yemeni military units previously commanded by Ahmed Saleh, are advancing north along the Red Sea coastline toward al Hodeidah port.
Former Republican Guard unites joined Emirati and Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi government-aligned forces to help break a stalemate on Yemen’s western coast. This ams to seize al Hodeidah port, a critical supply hub for the al Houthis, in order to isolate the al Houthi positions in Yemen.
5. The UAE may be expanding its influence in Yemen in the wake of Saleh’s death.
The Emirati-backed Transitional Political Council of the South (STC) announced it will hold its first 303-member national assembly in Aden. Expanding southern influence beyond its expected region could accelerate a competition between the UAE and Saudi Arabia for influence within Yemen.
Source:
CT
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