Saudi-backed forces retake key areas in eastern Yemen after airstrikes push back separatists
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces on Saturday regained control of key areas in eastern Yemen after Saudi airstrikes forced southern separatists to retreat.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) had seized large swaths of territory, military bases, and oil facilities since early December, despite its formal alliance with the government against the Houthis. After failed mediation efforts involving the UAE, Saudi Arabia launched warning strikes and then a broader operation to retake the areas.
STC forces have since withdrawn back to southern Yemen, amid continued Saudi airstrikes. Riyadh unusually accused the UAE of undermining Yemen’s stability, a charge Abu Dhabi denied, while announcing the withdrawal of its remaining forces.
Reports indicate government forces have now retaken major cities in Hadramawt, including Mukalla and Seiyun, along with key military and oil sites.
Kan.org.il is the Hebrew news website of the The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation
