Yemen’s National Shield forces said they had seized control of Mahra governorate, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia, from the Southern Transitional Council (STC), deepening divisions within the anti-Houthi camp. The STC, which seeks to restore an independent southern state, had taken over Mahra and neighbouring Hadhramaut last month, citing failures by other factions to confront the Iran-backed Houthis.
The move angered Saudi Arabia and President Rashad Al Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, who ordered STC rivals to retake the territories. Yemen’s Saba news agency reported that all military camps in Mahra were handed over to National Shield forces, a development welcomed by Mr Al Alimi as a step towards restoring stability.
Saudi Arabia has agreed to host talks between southern factions in Riyadh, while the UAE urged de-escalation. The UN also renewed calls for a political solution.
