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21h ago

Saudi-Backed Forces Reclaim Key Sites in Yemen’s South as STC Suffers Heavy Losses

Riyadh pairs the advance with a call for southern dialogue in the capital.

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Des membres des forces de sécurité à un checkpoint à Aden, le 31 décembre 2025
Un poste de contrôle à Aden, siège du gouvernement internationalement reconnu du Yémen, soutenu par l'Arabie saoudite face à une avancée des forces séparatistes du Conseil de transition du sud,le 31 décembre 2025
Photo tirée d'une vidéo d'AFPTV montrant de la fumée suite à des attaques aériennes de la coalition menée par l'Arabie saoudite au Yémen sud, dans les provinces de Hadramout et Mahra, vendredi 2 janvier 2026 Yemen as a Saudi-led coalition hit back against a sweeping advance by the UAE-backed Southern Transition Council (STC) that threatens to spiral into a major confrontation. The deaths are the first from coalition fire since the secessionist STC seized swathes of Hadramawt and Mahra provinces last month. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have for years supported rival factions in Yemen's government-run territories but the STC's offensive has angered Riyadh and left the oil-rich Gulf powers at loggerheads.

Overview

  • At least 80 STC fighters were killed, 152 wounded and 130 captured since Friday’s Saudi-backed push to retake southern territories, according to a government military source, while 14 pro-government soldiers were reported dead.
  • Government-aligned forces consolidated control in al-Mukalla and said they secured the main base there, with officials also reporting control of Seyoun’s airport and administrative buildings after heavy strikes.
  • Authorities in neighboring Mahra renewed allegiance to the Saudi-backed government camp without resistance, government officials said.
  • The Saudi-led coalition carried out airstrikes on STC positions in Hadramout, including at al-Khasha, Seyoun and Barshid, after the separatists’ December gains in Hadramout and Mahra.
  • Saudi Arabia invited all southern factions to talks in Riyadh as the UAE, a STC backer, withdrew its remaining forces and urged dialogue, and the STC warned it could declare independence if sidelined.