Saudi military reinforcements enter Aden as tensions escalate with STC

ADEN, March 18 (YPA) – Saudi military reinforcements arrived on Tuesday in the city of Aden amid rising tensions with the “Southern Resistance,” the armed wing of the dissolved Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE.

Local sources reported that dozens of military and armored vehicles belonging to the “Fifth Brigade” of the Saudi-backed Dera al-Watan or Shield of the Homeland forces entered the city after arriving from al-Mahra province. The deployment was said to be part of efforts to boost readiness and secure the anticipated arrival of Saudi-formed Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi at Maashiq Palace.

According to the sources, al-Alimi was expected to return to Aden next Thursday, dismissing earlier reports that he might travel from Riyadh to Mukalla. His return, however, would face opposition from leaders of the STC.

Upon arrival, the Saudi-backed forces reportedly spread across several camps and sites that had previously been under the control of factions linked to the now-dissolved STC in Aden.

The move came as Saudi Arabia strengthens its military grip on the city following the dissolution of the UAE-backed council, while several southern political and military figures remain under house arrest in Riyadh since January under what has been described as the “South-South dialogue.”

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