Saudi Arabia has announced around $500 million in development projects across southern Yemen, in areas recently retaken from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) following a Saudi-backed offensive.
The move signals a more assertive Saudi role in Yemen and reflects growing political tensions with the United Arab Emirates, which has long supported and maintained influence over the STC and parts of the south.
On Wednesday, Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence, met Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, and other Yemeni officials to reaffirm Riyadh’s support for the internationally recognised government.
Key developments:
• Projects announced across 10 provinces, including hospitals, schools and roads
• Fuel donations to boost electricity production
• Construction of a mosque on Socotra, previously under UAE influence
Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain formally aligned against the Iran-backed Houthis, but their strategic competition in southern Yemen is becoming increasingly visible.
ℹ️ Reuters
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