Saudi Arabia Pays Yemeni Separatists' Salaries After UAE Exit

Saudi Arabia's Increased Control in Yemen

• 🇸🇦 Following the UAE's withdrawal, Saudi Arabia now exerts more direct control over Yemen than at any point in the decade-long civil war.
• 🎯 Riyadh aims to integrate UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces into a unified military structure under Saudi command.

Financial Commitments and Burdens

• 💰 Saudi Arabia is now paying the salaries of STC forces and civil servants, a significant financial undertaking.
• 💸 The kingdom is committing nearly $3 billion to Yemeni salaries, with the UAE previously covering about $1 billion.
• 📈 Riyadh's total spending this year could exceed $4 billion, including funds for development, infrastructure, and oil derivatives, despite its own budget crunch.

Saudi Strategy: Carrots and Sticks

• 🤝 Separatist leaders were reportedly summoned to Riyadh, had their phones confiscated, and were interrogated before being offered incentives.
• 🏨 Saudi Arabia is using a combination of pressure and charm, including housing leaders in five-star hotels.
• 💸 Tens of thousands of Yemeni fighters have been placed on the Saudi payroll, a move described as buying loyalty and stability.

Motivations for Yemeni Fighters

• 📉 In impoverished Yemen, many individuals are more motivated to join the military for a decent salary than to pursue education.
• 👨‍🏫 Teachers report that students are opting for military service, which offers significantly higher pay than teaching.