A military delegation from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has arrived in Aden to engage in discussions focused on reducing tensions in southern Yemen. This visit comes in the wake of claims made by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which announced that it has gained significant control over various southern regions, including the eastern provinces of Hadhramaut and Mahra.
A government source revealed to Reuters that the STC now asserts its presence across all eastern provinces of south Yemen, including critical areas like Aden, which serves as the headquarters for the internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government. The agenda for the discussions in Aden involves addressing recent unilateral actions taken by the STC, particularly the removal of any foreign forces deployed in the eastern provinces.
In the context of Yemen’s prolonged civil war, the STC has garnered support from the UAE and has engaged in conflicts with other local factions. Tensions escalated when groups relocated to Aden following the takeover of the capital Sanaa by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in 2014.
The efforts from the Saudi-Emirati delegation may pave the way for a stabilization of the situation in southern Yemen, highlighting ongoing international attempts to manage and mitigate the complex dynamics of the region. With the need for resolution and unity among various factions, there is hope that these discussions will foster cooperation and lead to a measure of stability in the area.
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