Oman will defend its interests on the Yemen border

Significance

Muscat is deeply concerned about the Yemen conflict's potential for cross-border and regional destabilisation. In recent months, the Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally-recognised government of Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi has deployed troops to Yemen's easternmost province of Mahra, on the Oman border. This aims to prevent the smuggling of Iranian arms to Huthi fighters controlling northwest Yemen.

Impacts

• The coalition presence will reduce the Huthis' ability to acquire other vital supplies and adversely affect their war economy.
• New border controls could increase poverty in Mahra, where many tribes rely on smuggling income.
• Deeper Saudi-Emirati strategic co-operation may extend from Qatar and Yemen to other areas.