Saudi warplanes launched attacks against the Southern Transitional Council (STC) fighters in Yemen, killing seven and injuring over 20. The strikes targeted the al-Khasah camp in Hadramawt province, marking the first coalition deaths since the STC's recent territorial gains. The STC had seized large areas of Hadramawt and Mahra provinces last month during a swift advance. Mohammed Abdulmalik, the STC leader in Wadi Hadramaut, confirmed seven airstrikes hit their forces. He described the conflict as a “decisive and existential” war against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, framing it as a fight against radical Islamism. Hadramawt's governor Salem al-Khanbashi, whose forces support Saudi Arabia, said the campaign aimed to "peacefully and systematically hand over military sites." He insisted it was not a war declaration or an effort to escalate tensions. Saudi sources confirmed the Saudi-led coalition—formed in 2015 to fight Iran-backed Houthis—carried out the airstrikes. A Saudi military insider warned the coalition will continue action until the STC withdraws from both Hadramawt and Mahra. The Saudi-Emirati coalition backs opposing factions in Yemen’s fragmented government-held areas. The UAE supports the STC, while Saudi Arabia backs other government forces. This rivalry has intensified following the STC's recent push, straining relations between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. STC’s Amr Al Bidh accused Riyadh of misleading the world with claims of a “peaceful operation,” pointing to the immediate airstrikes following Saudi moves. Additionally, the Saudi ambassador to Yemen said the STC blocked a Saudi delegation from landing in Aden, accusing the group of "intransigence." Flights to and from Aden have been halted for more than 24 hours. The STC’s advances raise fresh worries about Yemen’s future. Formerly independent South Yemen might seek to split again, complicating delicate peace talks with the Houthis. Meanwhile, the UAE announced plans to withdraw remaining troops after a recent bombing incident involving alleged Emirati arms shipments. Yemen remains engulfed in a complex civil war, with Gulf allies backing rival groups in a struggle that shows no clear end soon.