Saudi-backed forces regain control of several cities in southern Yemen

Yemeni Government Forces Regain Control Over Provinces Near Saudi Border

The Presidential Leadership Council, led by Rashad al-Alimi, has announced that Homeland Shield forces have achieved “record success” in retaking provinces near the Saudi border. The government-backed forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, have regained control of several provinces from the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).

According to a statement released on Saturday, Homeland Shield forces successfully retook all military and security positions in the province bordering Saudi Arabia. The STC had seized control of Mukalla, the key eastern port and capital of Hadramout province, last month. However, Saudi forces attacked the city in recent days.

The Director General of the Youth Office for al-Mahra governorate, Mohammed Omar Suwailam, confirmed that Homeland Shield forces have taken control of all nine districts of the governorate following the withdrawal of STC forces.

Tensions between regional Gulf Arab powers continue to simmer. The Yemeni government has accused the STC of imposing restrictions on citizens’ movement in the port city of Aden, which it claims is a violation of the constitution and the Riyadh Agreement. The government has called on the STC to immediately end all restrictions on citizen movement.

Since Tuesday, Yemen has seen an escalation in tensions following the STC’s takeover of Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces. At least 80 STC fighters have been killed in fighting with Saudi-backed forces, according to a group official. Additionally, at least 152 members of the STC’s forces were wounded, and 130 were taken captive.

The situation remains fluid, with some areas experiencing a return to normalcy, while others continue to face tensions and discord.

Source: Al Jazeera