Saudi Arabia’s Shifting Strategy in Yemen: A Prelude to a Presidential Council Overhaul?
Amid rising tensions, Riyadh appears to be repositioning its alliances in Yemen, with growing support for new factions and economic turmoil fueling public unrest.
Watan-The Yemeni scene is witnessing rapid developments amid strong indications of a possible Saudi coup against the Yemeni Presidential Council, despite it being backed by Riyadh. Multiple reports have revealed that Saudi Arabia has decided to move the council’s residence from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh to the Diplomatic Quarter, a move interpreted by observers as a prelude to ousting the council and reshuffling alliances within Yemen.
This Saudi step comes in conjunction with its increased support for the “Nation’s Shield Forces” deployed in Hadramout, Shabwa, and Abyan, signaling a shift in its strategy toward the Yemeni war. The recent developments have had serious economic repercussions, as the exchange rate of the US dollar in southern Yemen surged to 2,210 riyals, while the Saudi riyal exceeded 574 Yemeni riyals. This sharp devaluation has sparked widespread public protests, including calls for a work strike to pressure the government into halting the currency’s collapse.
‘s regime
These actions have also been linked to another Saudi decision to halt funding for military factions affiliated with the Islah Party in Marib and Taiz and redirect these funds to the “Nation’s Shield Forces,” deepening divisions within Yemen’s political landscape.
Sources indicate that the new funding operations are being conducted through exchange companies linked to the Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al Jaber, reinforcing speculation that Riyadh aims to financially and administratively separate its supported factions from the legitimate government in Aden.
This sudden shift in Saudi policy toward Yemen may be part of a new vision for managing the war, especially amid regional tensions and Riyadh’s attempts to reach broader understandings with the Houthis. However, any move to reshape Yemen’s political and military landscape without internal consensus could lead to a new escalation, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian and economic crisis in the country.
