By Riffat Kausar,
Scandinavian News Agency
Saudi forces are assembling large numbers of troops, Apache helicopters and combat aircraft for a major military operation in the eastern region, in what is being described as one of the largest deployments of its kind.
The military buildup comes amid growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over developments in Yemen. Riyadh is seeking to reinforce its position as a major regional power while responding to what Saudi authorities view as growing challenges to their interests along Yemen’s eastern frontier.
Saudi forces expand military presence
Saudi forces are reportedly bringing together significant numbers of ground troops alongside Apache attack helicopters and combat aircraft as preparations continue for the operation.
The deployment represents a major concentration of military assets in the eastern theatre. The movement of both ground and air capabilities indicates that Riyadh is preparing to maintain a strong military presence in an area that has become increasingly important to Saudi security interests.
The eastern Yemeni provinces, particularly Hadramout and al-Mahra, have gained strategic importance because of their proximity to Saudi Arabia and their wider geopolitical and energy significance.
Saudi-backed forces previously retook Hadramout and al-Mahra from the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council during a major escalation in early 2026.
Rising Saudi-UAE tensions over Yemen
The reported Saudi military buildup comes against the backdrop of an increasingly visible disagreement between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over Yemen.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE once worked closely as members of the coalition fighting Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces.
Their interests, however, have increasingly diverged over control and influence in southern and eastern Yemen.
A UK House of Commons Library briefing published in May 2026 said the two Gulf powers had been diverging over Yemen, Sudan, Israel and oil policy.
The dispute became particularly serious after Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of supporting the Southern Transitional Council’s expansion in Yemen’s eastern provinces.
Saudi Arabia subsequently supported Yemeni government forces in operations that pushed STC forces out of Hadramout and al-Mahra. The developments marked a significant shift in the balance of power in eastern Yemen.
Riyadh seeks stronger regional position
The latest deployment also reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to strengthen its military and political position in the region.
The concentration of troops and aircraft gives Riyadh greater capacity to respond quickly to developments along its southern border.
It also sends a message that Saudi Arabia considers developments in eastern Yemen directly connected to its national security.
Recent fighting has further increased pressure on Saudi Arabia. On September 13, 2026, Houthi forces claimed attacks on a Saudi military base in Sharurah using drones and missiles, while fighting intensified across Yemen.
Reuters also reported on September 11 that tensions between Saudi forces and the Iran-backed Houthis had escalated, with Pakistan facing increasing pressure because of its security relationship with Riyadh and its diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
Key Facts
- Saudi forces are assembling troops and air assets for a major eastern operation.
- The deployment reportedly includes Apache helicopters and combat aircraft.
- Saudi-UAE differences over Yemen have intensified during 2026.
- Saudi-backed forces previously retook Hadramout and al-Mahra from UAE-backed STC forces.
- Renewed Houthi attacks have added pressure on Saudi Arabia’s southern security position.
- Saudi Forces Mobilize
FAQs:
Why are Saudi forces increasing their presence in eastern Yemen?
The buildup is linked to Saudi security concerns and the changing military and political situation in eastern Yemen.
What aircraft are involved?
The deployment includes Apache attack helicopters and combat aircraft.
Why are Saudi Arabia and the UAE in disagreement?
Their interests have increasingly diverged over political and military influence in Yemen, particularly in the country’s southern and eastern regions.
Why is eastern Yemen important to Saudi Arabia?
Hadramout and al-Mahra border Saudi Arabia and have strategic geographic, energy and security importance.
Has Saudi Arabia previously conducted military operations in the region?
Yes. Saudi-backed Yemeni forces carried out major operations in early 2026 that resulted in the recapture of Hadramout and al-Mahra from STC forces.
Eastern Yemen becomes strategic focus
The developments place eastern Yemen at the centre of a wider regional power struggle involving Saudi Forces Arabia, the UAE, the Yemeni government and the Houthis.
For Riyadh, control and security in the eastern provinces are important because the region borders Saudi territory and contains major strategic infrastructure.
The latest military preparations therefore extend beyond a single battlefield development. They form part of a broader Saudi Forces effort to secure its southern flank, strengthen its influence in Yemen and respond to changing relations with the UAE.
UK Parliament briefing on Saudi-UAE tensions in 2026.
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