Overview
- The Southern Transitional Council said National Shield government brigades will deploy in parts of Hadramawt and al-Mahra, while its own fighters continue operations.
- An official close to the Saudi government told AFP the step falls short of security demands, which require STC forces to leave both provinces entirely.
- The Saudi-led coalition this week struck what it described as an Emirati weapons shipment at the STC-held port of Mukalla; the UAE denied the claim and announced the end of its remaining missions in Yemen after a Saudi deadline.
- Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad al-Alimi warned against further unilateral advances, and the European Union urged de-escalation and backed Yemen’s unity.
- After a rapid December offensive, the UAE-backed STC now controls most of the former South Yemen and says it aims to restore an independent southern state when conditions allow.