Yemens Control Landscape to be FullyMapped by 2026

Yemen Conflict: Government Forces Regain Control Over Southern Provinces

The internationally recognized government of Yemen, known as the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), has recaptured two southern provinces from the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC, backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), had seized the oil-rich provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra in early December 2025. Saudi Arabia, which supports the PLC, responded with air strikes on STC positions, targeting what it described as UAE weapons shipments to the group.

The PLC and STC have been allies in the fight against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, who captured Yemen’s capital Sanaa in 2014. Recent clashes have intensified instability in the war-torn nation and heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

There are three key players in Yemen: The PLC, led by Rashad al-Alimi since 2022; the STC, backed by the UAE; and the Houthis, an armed group trained and backed by Iran. The PLC is based in Aden and has a mix of northern and southern political and military leaders. The group’s mandate is to manage Yemen’s political, security, and military affairs during a transitional period.

The STC initially supported the internationally recognized government against the Houthi rebels in northern Yemen but is now seeking an independent state in southern Yemen. On January 7, 2026, the PLC expelled the STC leadership following their attempt to seize eastern oil provinces. The group’s future remains uncertain, with some members reportedly fleeing the country.

Saudi Arabia plans to host a conference of main political factions from the south to shape the future of Yemen. The Houthis control several strategic locations along the Red Sea, including the key port of Hodeida.

Source: Al Jazeera