Saudi-Backed Government Consolidates Control in Southern Yemen
Forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognized government have seized control of key southern provinces, reversing recent gains by their former allies, the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The shift consolidates power under the Saudi-backed leadership and marks a significant realignment within the complex civil war.
Government troops entered the strategic port city of Aden and the eastern provincial capital of Al-Mukalla without facing resistance, following the withdrawal of STC fighters [44702][41226]. This military movement is part of a broader Saudi-led plan to end a long-running feud with the separatist group and unify the anti-Houthi alliance [44702].
The government has now reestablished full authority over the resource-rich eastern provinces of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra [41435][41221]. Officials announced the takeover of several major military camps in these regions, which were previously held by the STC [42391][46851]. The Saudi-led coalition provided critical support for the operations, including increased airstrikes [41408].
The Southern Transitional Council, which seeks an independent state in southern Yemen, is backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). For years, it has controlled Aden and large parts of the south, creating a persistent rift with the Saudi-backed national government [44702][41018]. Both sides are nominal allies in the larger war against the Houthi rebels, who control northern Yemen, but have repeatedly clashed over territory [42391].
The recent government advances follow a series of public ultimatums from Saudi Arabia and the coalition, demanding the STC withdraw its forces from recently seized areas [36109][34478]. Riyadh had warned it would use military force to back the Yemeni government if the separatists did not comply [36028][36031].
This consolidation of power is seen as a critical step by the Saudi-backed government to strengthen its military campaign after years of fragmented loyalties [46851]. Yemen's new Presidential Leadership Council has handed full command of the nation's armed forces to a committee led by the Saudi-led coalition, centralizing military authority [46851].
The political fallout from this major southern power shift remains unclear. While it could ease local tensions and strengthen the government ahead of any future peace talks, it also highlights the fragile and complex nature of the alliances in Yemen's nearly decade-long war [44702][41435].