High-Stakes Talks in Aden: Balancing Power in Southern Yemen

A Saudi-Emirati military delegation arrived in Aden, Yemen, to address escalating tensions after the Southern Transitional Council claimed control of the south. With recent attacks resulting in numerous casualties, discussions will focus on revising unilateral actions and managing forces in eastern provinces.

A Saudi-Emirati military delegation arrived in Aden on a critical mission to ease mounting tensions in southern Yemen. This visit follows claims by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) of widespread control across the south, as reported by government sources to Reuters on Friday.

The gravity of the situation intensified as 32 military personnel were killed and 45 others wounded in attacks linked to the STC in Hadhramaut, according to the state news agency SABA. The STC has announced that its influence stretches across the eastern provinces, including Hadhramaut, Mahra, and Aden, the stronghold of the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government.

Official discussions between the delegation and Yemeni authorities in Aden will focus on correcting recent unilateral actions, such as withdrawing external forces. The STC, previously supported by the United Arab Emirates during Yemen's protracted civil war, has frequently clashed with other factions following the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement's capture of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

(With inputs from agencies.)