Saudi-Backed Forces Regain Control of Strategic Yemeni Region

Saudi-backed forces in Mukalla in Hadramout province, Yemen, on Jan. 4.  

Source: AFP/Getty Images

Saudi Arabia-backed forces in Yemen regained control of the strategic region of Hadramout over the weekend, following days of clashes with secessionist groups aligned with the United Arab Emirates.

The fighting has raised tensions between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh as the two Gulf powerhouses and US allies back rival factions in the Yemeni civil war.