STC unveils phased plan to tighten grip on Aden as Saudi–UAE tensions escalate

ADEN, Feb. 09 (YPA) – In a move signaling a potential escalation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, has unveiled a wide-ranging field plan aimed at tightening its control over the city of Aden, south of Yemen.

The move comes amid Saudi preparations to return the new government to the city, turning Aden into a focal point of a power struggle in which Abu Dhabi appears intent on blocking any expanding Saudi influence in southern and eastern Yemen.

According to circulated information, the plan relies on a gradual “advance and spread” strategy across defined geographical and time-based phases.

It is set to begin Tuesday with marches and demonstrations starting in Dar Saad, moving through Sheikh Othman and Mansoura, and reaching the strategic Caltex roundabout, with the aim of controlling northern districts.

On Wednesday, activities were expected to shift from Hajif roundabout in Tawahi through Al-Mualla and Aqaba to Jafar Saad Corniche, securing key corridors and vital areas.

A naval and oil blockade phase was planned for Thursday in Al-Brega, home to major oil ports and facilities.

Sources within the STC said the plan may seek to redeploy its forces under civilian cover, facilitating a land and sea siege of Aden, isolating pro-Saudi factions into fragmented pockets and obstructing efforts to secure the government’s return.

The escalation follows statements attributed to STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi from the UAE, reinforcing perceptions that the move reflects a direct Emirati-backed decision, as Aden edges toward a new and decisive confrontation in the coming days.

AA