Pro-government forces took control of the strategically important Al-Zahir district in the central Yemeni governorate of Al-Bayda in early July. But shortly afterwards, news circulated of major disagreements between Saudi-backed government forces and affiliates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Only days later, on July 8, the Houthis reportedly recaptured Zahir—at least partly on the back of these divergences.

Government forces and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) as well as other pro-UAE entities have a history of clashing...