Watan-The UAE faces an unexpected setback in Yemen after Western reports revealed that the United States intends to impose sanctions on Abu Zaraa Al-Muharrami, one of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent military allies. Al-Muharrami is known as a member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and the commander of the UAE-backed Giants Brigades, which play a key role in extending Emirati influence in southern Yemen.
U.S. reports indicate that Al-Muharrami is allegedly involved in supporting Al-Qaeda in areas under his forces’ control, prompting Washington to take action against him after receiving information from within the Presidential Leadership Council itself.
These developments highlight the intense internal struggles within the Gulf-backed Yemeni council, where each faction seeks to strengthen its own influence at the expense of the other.
For years, the UAE has worked to tighten its grip on southern Yemen by supporting loyal armed militias, taking advantage of the country’s political and military divisions. According to security sources, Abu Dhabi has entrusted Al-Muharrami with managing dozens of military brigades in resource-rich strategic areas as part of its separatist agenda to control key ports and islands.
However, these moves have not gone unchallenged. Sources indicate that Al-Muharrami’s growing influence has alarmed the UAE’s traditional ally, Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council, pushing him to act in order to curb his Emirati-backed rival.
If Washington proceeds with sanctions against Al-Muharrami, it would deal a major blow to the UAE’s agenda in Yemen, weakening its affiliated militias and limiting its ability to assert control over the south. This could also escalate tensions within the separatist camp, potentially reshaping Yemen’s military and political alliances.
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