Yemeni forces regain control of strategic port after days of airstrikes • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Southern Transitional Council (STC): A separatist movement in Yemen seeking independence for South Yemen, backed by the UAE.
• National Shield Forces: Yemeni troops backed by Saudi Arabia, tasked with maintaining security.
• Hadrammud Province: A province in Yemen, with Mukalla as its capital, recently the site of conflict between the STC and National Shield Forces.
• Saudi Arabia & UAE Rivalry: Increasing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to their support for opposing factions in the Yemeni Civil War.
• Yemeni Civil War: The ongoing conflict splitting Yemen between warring regions for over a decade.

Regaining Control of Mukalla & Hadrammud Province

Troops from Yemen’s Saudi-backed National Shield forces have re-entered and regained control of Mukalla, the capital of Hadrammud Province. This action directly challenges the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which had seized control of the province earlier last month. The re-entry was publicly acknowledged with a welcoming ceremony at the headquarters of the second military region, explicitly recognizing the Hajammud protection forces and the Hajrami elite – components of the National Shield Forces – as crucial to the security of both the governorate and the wider region. This signifies a direct Saudi attempt to reassert authority in the south.

Southern Transitional Council & UAE Support

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) advocates for independence for South Yemen from the north. Critically, the STC receives backing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the STC reporting at least 80 troops killed and dozens wounded or captured in clashes with Saudi-backed forces and subsequent air strikes since Friday. This figure highlights the intensity of the recent fighting and the escalating tensions.

UAE Withdrawal & Saudi Mediation

The UAE announced its withdrawal of forces from Yemen on Saturday, a move that potentially complicates the situation further. However, Saudi Arabia is attempting to mediate the conflict by hosting a conference with all southern factions in Yemen to address the “southern cause.” Notably, the Southern Transitional Council has agreed to participate in this conference, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue, albeit likely with preconditions related to their independence goals.

Deepening Rift Between Saudi Arabia & UAE

The events in Hadrammud Province underscore a deepening rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Both nations are involved in the Yemeni Civil War, but they are supporting opposing groups – Saudi Arabia backing the National Shield Forces and the internationally recognized government, and the UAE supporting the STC. This divergence in support is exacerbating the existing instability within Yemen and creating a complex geopolitical dynamic.

Historical Context: Yemen’s Division

The current conflict is rooted in a decade-long division within Yemen. The country has been fractured by warring regions, and the struggle for control has been ongoing. The STC’s push for independence represents a continuation of this historical division and a challenge to the existing political order.

Notable Statement

While no direct quotes were provided in the transcript, the welcoming statement at the second military region headquarters – acknowledging the Hajammud and Hajrami forces – implicitly conveys Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maintaining control and security in the region through its supported forces.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The recent clashes in Hadrammud Province represent a significant escalation in the Yemeni Civil War and highlight the growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Saudi Arabia’s reassertion of control through the National Shield Forces, coupled with its attempt at mediation through a conference with southern factions, suggests a strategy to stabilize the region and prevent further fragmentation. However, the STC’s continued pursuit of independence, backed by the UAE, poses a substantial challenge to this effort. The situation remains volatile and the outcome of the Saudi-led mediation remains uncertain.