Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces attacked a separatist-held camp south of the Shabwa Province capital city of Ataq. They are claiming to have retaken the camps on Saturday, though signs are fighting continued on Sunday.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), the South Yemen separatist
movement, has taken over substantial territory in several provinces,
Shabwa the most recent targets. UAE-backed forces contested the
offensive against the camp.
Nine combatants were killed all told, and another 13 wounded. These
clashes are part of a growing fight between Saudi Arabia and UAE forces
inside southern Yemen, These nations had participated in the invasion of
Yemen five years ago, but are increasingly at odds as to what the
future of Yemen will be.
The STC controls the southern capital of Aden and the neighboring
province of Abyan. Further territory in Shabwa has them in control of a
substantial part of the former country of South Yemen, which they intend
to declare independence.
Nine Killed as Yemen Govt Forces Move to Retake Key Separatist Camp
Forces target camp south of the Shabwa capital of Ataq
Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.
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