# How The UAE Just Got Wrecked In Yemen Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgD7zmJN3_A Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/IgD7zmJN3_A Generated: 2026-01-14T18:38:01.427+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The Saudi/IRG counteroffensive in early January 2026 rapidly overwhelmed Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, seizing the port city of Mukalla and threatening to push the Houthis out of all territory they held before the conflict began, forcing the Saudi-backed IRG to reassess its goals and potentially face a renewed internal conflict with the STC. **Key Points:** - The Saudi/IRG counteroffensive in early January 2026 rapidly seized territory from the Houthis, including the strategic port city of Mukalla. - This rapid advance threatened to reverse nearly all Houthi territorial gains made since the war began in 2015. - The Saudi-backed IRG forces gained control over the majority of Yemen's oil and gas reserves located in Hadhramaut province (estimated at 80%). - The STC, backed by the UAE, was reported to have also made gains, seizing territory from the IRG, including the port of Mocha, which complicated the Saudi/IRG offensive goal of a unified Yemen. - The internal fighting between the Saudi-backed IRG and the UAE-backed STC is expected to continue, potentially leading to a renewed conflict after the initial Houthi setbacks. - The Houthi military capabilities remain strong, having launched hundreds of missile and drone attacks against Israel and shipping in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden, and they have been receiving components from North Korea and Russia. ![Screenshot at 16:33: The map illustrates the Saudi/IRG counteroffensive advancing into Houthi-controlled territory \(green\) and capturing Mukalla, showing the red IRG forces pushing the Houthis back and threatening the STC's area.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IgD7zmJN3_A/00-16-33.jpg) **Context:** This video analyzes the shifting military and geopolitical landscape in Yemen, focusing on a projected scenario for late 2025/early 2026. The core context involves the ongoing civil war between the Iran-backed Houthis and the internationally recognized government (IRG), which is backed by Saudi Arabia, while the UAE backs the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The narrative suggests a major counteroffensive by Saudi/IRG forces against the Houthis, which drastically alters the balance of power and highlights ongoing internal tensions between the Saudi and UAE-aligned factions. ## Detailed Analysis The video projects a scenario for December 2025 where the Saudi/IRG counteroffensive successfully pushes the Iran-backed Houthis out of significant territory, including the vital port city of Mukalla and the majority of Yemen's oil and gas reserves (estimated at 80% in Hadhramaut, controlled by the STC/UAE backers). The military pressure from Saudi/IRG forces, supported by Israeli and British air strikes on Houthi targets, causes the Houthi-controlled area to shrink significantly. However, this success is complicated by the continued internal conflict between the Saudi-backed IRG and the UAE-backed STC, with the STC reportedly seizing territory, including the port of Mocha, from the IRG. The Houthis, despite military pressure, remain potent, evidenced by their ongoing missile attacks against Israel and shipping, and their continued supply chain from Iran and Russia. The video concludes that the conflict is likely to continue, with the internal division between the two main anti-Houthi blocs—Saudi Arabia and the UAE—creating a fragile situation where the IRG's gains might not translate into a unified state, as the STC aims for secession. ### Yemen Frontlines (2022-2025) - Houthi-controlled area is mountainous and rugged; STC controls territory along the south coast, including Mukalla; IRG controls the vast eastern regions; Oil and Gas pipelines run primarily through Houthi and STC areas. ### Saudi/IRG Counteroffensive (Early January 2026) - Saudi/IRG (Red area) forces launch offensives pushing the Houthis (Green) back, capturing Mukalla and threatening the entire Houthi northern stronghold, including the Marib oil fields. ### Internal Frictions - The UAE-backed STC (Orange) concurrently moves to seize territory from the Saudi-backed IRG (Red), exemplified by capturing Mocha, showing irreconcilable goals between the anti-Houthi coalition members. ### Houthi Capabilities - Despite military setbacks, the Houthis remain capable, continuing to launch missiles and drones at Israel and Red Sea shipping, supplied by Iran, Russia (Lukoil presence shown), and North Korea. ### Geopolitical Alignment Map - Shows the broader regional alignment where the UAE and Saudi Arabia support different factions in Yemen, while Egypt and Jordan are aligned with the US, and Iran supports the Houthis. ### Somaliland Context - The UAE has invested $442 million in the Port of Berbera, seeking to establish a strategic foothold and compete with Djibouti, while Israel recognized Somaliland's independence in December 2025. ![Screenshot at 00:00: A man giving the peace sign walks with a group of other men in a dusty, outdoor setting, likely a demonstration or procession.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IgD7zmJN3_A/00-00-00.jpg) ![Screenshot at 07:04: A map of Yemen showing the division of control between various factions \(Houthi, STC, IRG, etc.\) with pipelines highlighted, juxtaposed with a White House briefing.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IgD7zmJN3_A/00-07-04.jpg) ![Screenshot at 16:13: A map of Yemen showing the projected Saudi/IRG counteroffensive \(Red arrows\) pushing the Houthis \(Green\) out of key areas like Mukalla and threatening the North-South border.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IgD7zmJN3_A/00-16-13.jpg) ![Screenshot at 24:02: A nighttime scene of devastation in a city street following an apparent strike, with debris, emergency lights, and rescue workers searching the rubble.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IgD7zmJN3_A/00-24-02.jpg) ![Screenshot at 29:57: A massive crowd marching down a wide street, holding flags \(including Palestine's\) and signs, demonstrating popular support against external powers.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IgD7zmJN3_A/00-29-57.jpg)