Yemeni Defense Minister Fired Amid Southern Power Grab

Yemen's presidential leadership council has dismissed the country's defense minister, Mohsen al-Daeri. The move is the latest in a series of high-level government changes. It follows the recent removal of two other ministers. These dismissals come during rising political tensions. They are linked to actions by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a powerful separatist group. The STC has recently taken control of key government and military sites in Yemen's eastern provinces. This seizure is seen as a significant expansion of the group's power within the unstable country. Yemen remains divided after years of civil war. The presidential council leads the internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.