Flight Operations Halted at Aden Airport Amid Escalating Southern Yemen conflict
Rising tensions in southern Yemen have forced a complete suspension of flights at Aden International Airport, underscoring the deepening rift between the southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists and Yemen’s internationally recognised goverment backed by saudi Arabia.
Understanding the Regional Power Struggle and Alliances
The STC, active since 2015 as part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi forces in northern Yemen, together pursues autonomy for southern regions. Recently, it escalated military activities in Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces-areas adjacent to Saudi borders-intensifying regional instability.
Saudi Arabia has accused the united Arab Emirates (UAE), also a coalition member, of arming the STC and supporting its territorial expansion into these strategic provinces. Riyadh perceives this as a direct threat to its border security. The UAE denies these allegations while reaffirming its alliance with Saudi interests.
Controversy Over Flight Inspection Policies Between Aden and UAE Routes
The Transport Ministry aligned with the STC within Yemen’s internationally recognised government announced that all flight operations at Aden airport were suspended following new regulations mandating inspections for flights traveling to or from UAE destinations via Jeddah. This unexpected directive caught local authorities off guard.
A later statement clarified that inspection requirements applied exclusively to routes connecting Aden with UAE airports. Though, a Saudi official denied any role in imposing such restrictions on air travel, attributing them rather to decisions made by Yemen’s presidential Leadership Council.
Official Perspective on Aviation Controls
Thabet al-Ahmadi, an adviser within Yemen’s presidential office, confirmed that inspection protocols targeted only one specific flight corridor departing from aden airport. The primary goal is to disrupt illicit financial transactions linked to STC operations rather than suspend all air traffic entirely. Al-Ahmadi stressed ongoing efforts aim to preserve continuous aviation services despite these regulatory measures.
Military Realignments and Political Alerts in Southern provinces
This week marked significant shifts as the UAE announced plans for voluntary withdrawal of remaining counterterrorism forces from Yemen-a decision following Riyadh’s recent strike on what it described as an arms shipment tied to Emirati interests at Mukalla port city.
The leader of Yemen’s internationally recognised government issued stern warnings against further entrenchment by STC forces within Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces, cautioning such moves could destabilize regional security dramatically.
The Southern Transitional Council’s Firm Position
The STC remains unwavering in maintaining control over contested territories despite governmental admonitions. Mohammed al-Naqeeb, spokesperson for the group, highlighted ongoing coordination between STC units and Homeland Shield forces-the latter loyalist security personnel previously dominant before recent offensives-illustrating complex intra-coalition dynamics amid persistent conflict.
The Prolonged conflict’s Impact on Southern Yemen’s Trajectory
The Yemeni civil war began in 2014 when Houthi rebels seized Sanaa along with large swaths of northern territory; they continue holding significant areas today. Meanwhile, power struggles persist among pro-government factions supported by Riyadh-including groups like Homeland Shield-and separatist entities such as the STC competing for influence over southern borderlands adjoining Saudi Arabia.
Current Context: As early 2024 data reveals more than 24 million people across Yemen require humanitarian aid due largely to enduring instability disrupting critical infrastructure including transport hubs like airports-a vital factor affecting civilian livelihoods and military logistics amid fragmented governance systems.
