Iona Craig
@ionacraig.com
Journalist + OSINT airstrikes data @yemendataproject.org
Mostly Yemen/Arabian Peninsula since 2010. Once-upon-a-time I trained racehorses.
www.patreon.com/ionacraig
https://linktr.ee/ionacraig
Mostly Yemen/Arabian Peninsula since 2010. Once-upon-a-time I trained racehorses.
www.patreon.com/ionacraig
https://linktr.ee/ionacraig
Pinned
Iona Craig
@ionacraig.com
· 5d
For those trying to catch up on Yemen events, the Saudi-UAE confrontation and work out what's been going on, try this for @theobserveruk.bsky.social: bsky.app/profile/theo...
For a longer view of how it all came to this, listen to last week's @snellarthur.bsky.social podcast: tinyurl.com/y5h8bexx
For a longer view of how it all came to this, listen to last week's @snellarthur.bsky.social podcast: tinyurl.com/y5h8bexx
Reposted by Iona Craig
How the UAE’s Decade-Long Project in Yemen Ended in 48 Hours
By Iona Craig (@ionacraig.com)
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
By Iona Craig (@ionacraig.com)
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
How the UAE’s Decade-Long Project in Yemen Ended in 48 Hours
Saudi Arabia has swiftly consolidated power in southern Yemen over the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.
www.dropsitenews.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:34 PM
How the UAE’s Decade-Long Project in Yemen Ended in 48 Hours
By Iona Craig (@ionacraig.com)
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
By Iona Craig (@ionacraig.com)
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
Reposted by Iona Craig
Such a good story by @ionacraig.com on the UAE getting driven out of Yemen by Saudi Arabia: "We went to Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah with a large force and high-end equipment…and returned on buses.”
⚡️How the UAE’s Decade-Long Project in Yemen Ended in 48 Hours
Saudi Arabia has swiftly consolidated power in southern Yemen over the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.
Story by Iona Craig (X: @ionacraig, @ionacraig.com) for Drop Site News.
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
Saudi Arabia has swiftly consolidated power in southern Yemen over the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.
Story by Iona Craig (X: @ionacraig, @ionacraig.com) for Drop Site News.
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
How the UAE’s Decade-Long Project in Yemen Ended in 48 Hours
Saudi Arabia has swiftly consolidated power in southern Yemen over the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.
www.dropsitenews.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:03 AM
Such a good story by @ionacraig.com on the UAE getting driven out of Yemen by Saudi Arabia: "We went to Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah with a large force and high-end equipment…and returned on buses.”
Reposted by Iona Craig
“An Emirati ‘exit’ in uniform does not necessarily mean an exit in influence,” he said. “If Abu Dhabi judges Yemen remains central to its broader maritime and geo-economic posture, it will retain levers through partners, finance, logistics, and political sponsorship.” - @andreaskrieg.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 10:26 PM
“An Emirati ‘exit’ in uniform does not necessarily mean an exit in influence,” he said. “If Abu Dhabi judges Yemen remains central to its broader maritime and geo-economic posture, it will retain levers through partners, finance, logistics, and political sponsorship.” - @andreaskrieg.bsky.social
Reposted by Iona Craig
⚡️How the UAE’s Decade-Long Project in Yemen Ended in 48 Hours
Saudi Arabia has swiftly consolidated power in southern Yemen over the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.
Story by Iona Craig (X: @ionacraig, @ionacraig.com) for Drop Site News.
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
Saudi Arabia has swiftly consolidated power in southern Yemen over the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.
Story by Iona Craig (X: @ionacraig, @ionacraig.com) for Drop Site News.
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
How the UAE’s Decade-Long Project in Yemen Ended in 48 Hours
Saudi Arabia has swiftly consolidated power in southern Yemen over the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.
www.dropsitenews.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:52 PM
⚡️How the UAE’s Decade-Long Project in Yemen Ended in 48 Hours
Saudi Arabia has swiftly consolidated power in southern Yemen over the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.
Story by Iona Craig (X: @ionacraig, @ionacraig.com) for Drop Site News.
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
Saudi Arabia has swiftly consolidated power in southern Yemen over the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.
Story by Iona Craig (X: @ionacraig, @ionacraig.com) for Drop Site News.
www.dropsitenews.com/p/yemen-uae-...
Reposted by Iona Craig
A huge amount going on at present, all over the place. One of those things is the collapse of the UAE’s Yemen policy and a serious reduction in its regional power and influence. By contrast, the Saudis have the upper hand in Yemen for the first time in years.
For those trying to catch up on Yemen events, the Saudi-UAE confrontation and work out what's been going on, try this for @theobserveruk.bsky.social: bsky.app/profile/theo...
For a longer view of how it all came to this, listen to last week's @snellarthur.bsky.social podcast: tinyurl.com/y5h8bexx
For a longer view of how it all came to this, listen to last week's @snellarthur.bsky.social podcast: tinyurl.com/y5h8bexx
January 12, 2026 at 7:35 AM
A huge amount going on at present, all over the place. One of those things is the collapse of the UAE’s Yemen policy and a serious reduction in its regional power and influence. By contrast, the Saudis have the upper hand in Yemen for the first time in years.
Reposted by Iona Craig
Truly we seem to be entering a golden age of kidnapping...
It's worth noting that the statement was made by the STC leaders who are in Saudi Arabia. Vi coactus likely applies.
The political leadership of the UAE-backed STC has announced the dissolution of itself. In a statement they distanced themselves from recent STC military actions.
The organisation and its military force, which held the greatest amount of Yemen's territory two weeks ago, now no longer exists.
The organisation and its military force, which held the greatest amount of Yemen's territory two weeks ago, now no longer exists.
January 9, 2026 at 10:39 AM
Truly we seem to be entering a golden age of kidnapping...
It's worth noting that the statement was made by the STC leaders who are in Saudi Arabia. Vi coactus likely applies.
The political leadership of the UAE-backed STC has announced the dissolution of itself. In a statement they distanced themselves from recent STC military actions.
The organisation and its military force, which held the greatest amount of Yemen's territory two weeks ago, now no longer exists.
The organisation and its military force, which held the greatest amount of Yemen's territory two weeks ago, now no longer exists.
January 9, 2026 at 10:28 AM
It's worth noting that the statement was made by the STC leaders who are in Saudi Arabia. Vi coactus likely applies.
The political leadership of the UAE-backed STC has announced the dissolution of itself. In a statement they distanced themselves from recent STC military actions.
The organisation and its military force, which held the greatest amount of Yemen's territory two weeks ago, now no longer exists.
The organisation and its military force, which held the greatest amount of Yemen's territory two weeks ago, now no longer exists.
January 9, 2026 at 10:16 AM
The political leadership of the UAE-backed STC has announced the dissolution of itself. In a statement they distanced themselves from recent STC military actions.
The organisation and its military force, which held the greatest amount of Yemen's territory two weeks ago, now no longer exists.
The organisation and its military force, which held the greatest amount of Yemen's territory two weeks ago, now no longer exists.
For those trying to catch up on Yemen events, the Saudi-UAE confrontation and work out what's been going on, try this for @theobserveruk.bsky.social: bsky.app/profile/theo...
For a longer view of how it all came to this, listen to last week's @snellarthur.bsky.social podcast: tinyurl.com/y5h8bexx
For a longer view of how it all came to this, listen to last week's @snellarthur.bsky.social podcast: tinyurl.com/y5h8bexx
January 8, 2026 at 2:21 PM
For those trying to catch up on Yemen events, the Saudi-UAE confrontation and work out what's been going on, try this for @theobserveruk.bsky.social: bsky.app/profile/theo...
For a longer view of how it all came to this, listen to last week's @snellarthur.bsky.social podcast: tinyurl.com/y5h8bexx
For a longer view of how it all came to this, listen to last week's @snellarthur.bsky.social podcast: tinyurl.com/y5h8bexx
In >15 yrs of living and breathing Yemen, the last two weeks’ events have been off the scale in their rapidity and upheaval - internal and external - even by Yemen standards. Since 2010 I don’t think I’ve witnessed a fortnight like it. And I lived in Sana’a through revolution (2011) and coup (2014).
January 8, 2026 at 9:20 AM
In >15 yrs of living and breathing Yemen, the last two weeks’ events have been off the scale in their rapidity and upheaval - internal and external - even by Yemen standards. Since 2010 I don’t think I’ve witnessed a fortnight like it. And I lived in Sana’a through revolution (2011) and coup (2014).
In parallel events,Saudi-backed National Shield Forces arrived in Aden overnight.
January 8, 2026 at 8:23 AM
In parallel events,Saudi-backed National Shield Forces arrived in Aden overnight.
As the Saudis watched in real time the boat taking Aiderous Al Zubaydi to Somaliland, I’ve no doubt they thought long and hard about taking it out. It’s also telling that they chose not to.
I know there’s a lot going on in the world right now. But this spectacular fallout between Saudi and UAE is going to reshape the region and impact events beyond.
It’s hard to overstate the Saudi anger at the UAE that’s expressed by revealing step-by-step details + officer names in the UAE operation
It’s hard to overstate the Saudi anger at the UAE that’s expressed by revealing step-by-step details + officer names in the UAE operation
January 8, 2026 at 7:54 AM
As the Saudis watched in real time the boat taking Aiderous Al Zubaydi to Somaliland, I’ve no doubt they thought long and hard about taking it out. It’s also telling that they chose not to.
I know there’s a lot going on in the world right now. But this spectacular fallout between Saudi and UAE is going to reshape the region and impact events beyond.
It’s hard to overstate the Saudi anger at the UAE that’s expressed by revealing step-by-step details + officer names in the UAE operation
It’s hard to overstate the Saudi anger at the UAE that’s expressed by revealing step-by-step details + officer names in the UAE operation
January 8, 2026 at 7:39 AM
I know there’s a lot going on in the world right now. But this spectacular fallout between Saudi and UAE is going to reshape the region and impact events beyond.
It’s hard to overstate the Saudi anger at the UAE that’s expressed by revealing step-by-step details + officer names in the UAE operation
It’s hard to overstate the Saudi anger at the UAE that’s expressed by revealing step-by-step details + officer names in the UAE operation
I wasn’t wrong. Aiderous Al Zubaydi is now in the UAE after being smuggled out by boat to Berbera, Somaliland.
Saudi Arabia released the intricate details of the smuggling operation that was co-ordinated by the UAE.
Saudi Arabia released the intricate details of the smuggling operation that was co-ordinated by the UAE.
In an extraordinary end to an extraordinary week in Yemen, Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes in Al-Dhale targeting forces of longtime STC leader and Presidential Leadership Council member Aiderous Al Zubaydi.
If recent history is anything to go by, he would’ve smuggled himself out to the UAE.
If recent history is anything to go by, he would’ve smuggled himself out to the UAE.
Word is, STC leader Aiderous Al-Zubaidi didn’t get on the flight taking the STC delegation to Riyadh. Instead, he’s heading back to his home with his men in Al-Dhale.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
January 8, 2026 at 7:18 AM
I wasn’t wrong. Aiderous Al Zubaydi is now in the UAE after being smuggled out by boat to Berbera, Somaliland.
Saudi Arabia released the intricate details of the smuggling operation that was co-ordinated by the UAE.
Saudi Arabia released the intricate details of the smuggling operation that was co-ordinated by the UAE.
Hamedti will be watching things closely from Sudan…watching to see if the UAE has got Aiderous out, or lets him swing for treason - which the Yemeni government is now accusing him of.
In an extraordinary end to an extraordinary week in Yemen, Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes in Al-Dhale targeting forces of longtime STC leader and Presidential Leadership Council member Aiderous Al Zubaydi.
If recent history is anything to go by, he would’ve smuggled himself out to the UAE.
If recent history is anything to go by, he would’ve smuggled himself out to the UAE.
Word is, STC leader Aiderous Al-Zubaidi didn’t get on the flight taking the STC delegation to Riyadh. Instead, he’s heading back to his home with his men in Al-Dhale.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
January 7, 2026 at 7:35 AM
Hamedti will be watching things closely from Sudan…watching to see if the UAE has got Aiderous out, or lets him swing for treason - which the Yemeni government is now accusing him of.
Keep thinking of one of the first times I met Aiderous Al-Zubaydi, long before STC existed, sitting on a sofa in a house with a crater in the roof, pieces of masonry dropping onto the floor as we spoke. Even then he was wearing Manchester City tracksuit. Even then the Emperor’s clothes were UAE.
January 7, 2026 at 7:14 AM
Keep thinking of one of the first times I met Aiderous Al-Zubaydi, long before STC existed, sitting on a sofa in a house with a crater in the roof, pieces of masonry dropping onto the floor as we spoke. Even then he was wearing Manchester City tracksuit. Even then the Emperor’s clothes were UAE.
In an extraordinary end to an extraordinary week in Yemen, Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes in Al-Dhale targeting forces of longtime STC leader and Presidential Leadership Council member Aiderous Al Zubaydi.
If recent history is anything to go by, he would’ve smuggled himself out to the UAE.
If recent history is anything to go by, he would’ve smuggled himself out to the UAE.
Word is, STC leader Aiderous Al-Zubaidi didn’t get on the flight taking the STC delegation to Riyadh. Instead, he’s heading back to his home with his men in Al-Dhale.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
At this stage, I think a lot is about making an example of the STC...KSA showing that there's zero tolerance for what happened over the past month...and a lesson to any who may think of doing similar in the future. With that view, it's impossible to leave the STC in full control of Aden.
January 7, 2026 at 6:41 AM
In an extraordinary end to an extraordinary week in Yemen, Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes in Al-Dhale targeting forces of longtime STC leader and Presidential Leadership Council member Aiderous Al Zubaydi.
If recent history is anything to go by, he would’ve smuggled himself out to the UAE.
If recent history is anything to go by, he would’ve smuggled himself out to the UAE.
Word is, STC leader Aiderous Al-Zubaidi didn’t get on the flight taking the STC delegation to Riyadh. Instead, he’s heading back to his home with his men in Al-Dhale.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
At this stage, I think a lot is about making an example of the STC...KSA showing that there's zero tolerance for what happened over the past month...and a lesson to any who may think of doing similar in the future. With that view, it's impossible to leave the STC in full control of Aden.
January 6, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Word is, STC leader Aiderous Al-Zubaidi didn’t get on the flight taking the STC delegation to Riyadh. Instead, he’s heading back to his home with his men in Al-Dhale.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
The Emperor’s New Clothes were always made in the UAE.
This is a humiliating blow for the STC. But, this is inevitable when you’re a proxy force and your one and only backer leaves you high and dry.
It’s also a clear illustration of the stark contrast with the Houthis and how they are not a proxy of Iran.
It’s also a clear illustration of the stark contrast with the Houthis and how they are not a proxy of Iran.
Giants Brigades are taking control in Aden from STC forces. So far they’re at the presidential palace and central bank. Talking to folks earlier, they described lots of new checkpoints with “new people”. The Giants are believed to be temporary before passing control to Saudi-backed National Shield.
Much anticipation in Aden over what’s coming.
National Shield Forces appear to be on their way after reached Shabwah yesterday.
Today, reports indicate Presidential Guard and STC forces have left/are leaving strategic locations including Presidential palace compound. Adenis are holding their breath
National Shield Forces appear to be on their way after reached Shabwah yesterday.
Today, reports indicate Presidential Guard and STC forces have left/are leaving strategic locations including Presidential palace compound. Adenis are holding their breath
January 6, 2026 at 11:28 PM
This is a humiliating blow for the STC. But, this is inevitable when you’re a proxy force and your one and only backer leaves you high and dry.
It’s also a clear illustration of the stark contrast with the Houthis and how they are not a proxy of Iran.
It’s also a clear illustration of the stark contrast with the Houthis and how they are not a proxy of Iran.
Giants Brigades are taking control in Aden from STC forces. So far they’re at the presidential palace and central bank. Talking to folks earlier, they described lots of new checkpoints with “new people”. The Giants are believed to be temporary before passing control to Saudi-backed National Shield.
Much anticipation in Aden over what’s coming.
National Shield Forces appear to be on their way after reached Shabwah yesterday.
Today, reports indicate Presidential Guard and STC forces have left/are leaving strategic locations including Presidential palace compound. Adenis are holding their breath
National Shield Forces appear to be on their way after reached Shabwah yesterday.
Today, reports indicate Presidential Guard and STC forces have left/are leaving strategic locations including Presidential palace compound. Adenis are holding their breath
January 6, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Giants Brigades are taking control in Aden from STC forces. So far they’re at the presidential palace and central bank. Talking to folks earlier, they described lots of new checkpoints with “new people”. The Giants are believed to be temporary before passing control to Saudi-backed National Shield.
Much anticipation in Aden over what’s coming.
National Shield Forces appear to be on their way after reached Shabwah yesterday.
Today, reports indicate Presidential Guard and STC forces have left/are leaving strategic locations including Presidential palace compound. Adenis are holding their breath
National Shield Forces appear to be on their way after reached Shabwah yesterday.
Today, reports indicate Presidential Guard and STC forces have left/are leaving strategic locations including Presidential palace compound. Adenis are holding their breath
January 6, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Much anticipation in Aden over what’s coming.
National Shield Forces appear to be on their way after reached Shabwah yesterday.
Today, reports indicate Presidential Guard and STC forces have left/are leaving strategic locations including Presidential palace compound. Adenis are holding their breath
National Shield Forces appear to be on their way after reached Shabwah yesterday.
Today, reports indicate Presidential Guard and STC forces have left/are leaving strategic locations including Presidential palace compound. Adenis are holding their breath
Reposted by Iona Craig
No end in sight for Yemen’s nightmare as UAE and Saudi Arabia’s proxy conflict continues bit.ly/4jkuERS
No end in sight for Yemen’s nightmare as UAE and Saudi Ar...
A full-scale military confrontation between the two former allies was narrowly avoided last week. But the outlook for the Yemeni people caught in the middle is as dire as ever
bit.ly
January 4, 2026 at 5:05 AM
No end in sight for Yemen’s nightmare as UAE and Saudi Arabia’s proxy conflict continues bit.ly/4jkuERS
The thinly veiled Saudi vs UAE proxy war for control of Hadhramaut is on. National Shield Forces and Yemen Emergency Forces (Saudi-backed) took the 37th Armoured Brigade/Al-Khasha base by force with Saudi air cover. Further airstrikes at Seiyun airport and 1st Military Region HQ.
January 2, 2026 at 2:45 PM
The thinly veiled Saudi vs UAE proxy war for control of Hadhramaut is on. National Shield Forces and Yemen Emergency Forces (Saudi-backed) took the 37th Armoured Brigade/Al-Khasha base by force with Saudi air cover. Further airstrikes at Seiyun airport and 1st Military Region HQ.
Reposted by Iona Craig
And Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
A Storm of Princes: Saudi Arabia and the UAE fight over South Yemen
Podcast Episode · Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell · 30/12/2025 · 42m
podcasts.apple.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM
And Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
Reposted by Iona Craig
Dramatic changes underway in the geopolitical makeup of the Middle East. I was fortunate to speak to @ionacraig.com open.spotify.com/episode/70fW...
A Storm of Princes: Saudi Arabia and the UAE fight over South Yemen
open.spotify.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Dramatic changes underway in the geopolitical makeup of the Middle East. I was fortunate to speak to @ionacraig.com open.spotify.com/episode/70fW...