Yemen: Deadly clashes continue in Aden January 29 /update 1

Event

On Monday, January 29, clashes continued between the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) and pro-Hadi government forces in Aden (Aden province), leaving at least five separatists and four pro-Hadi fighters dead in heavy artillery and tank fire. The STC sent reinforcements from Marib and Abyan provinces on January 29, following a day and night of violent clashes between southern separatists and government troops in Aden on January 28. Yemeni army units reportedly tried to stop the fighters from walking to Aden on Monday morning (local time), leading to clashes between the two camps in Abyan province. 

Additional clashes between separatists and pro-Hadi forces are expected in Aden and in southern Yemen in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Clashes broke out between forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-backed STC in Aden on January 28 after pro-Hadi forces prevented STC supporters from staging an anti-Hadi protest in the city. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), at least 36 people have been killed and 185 others wounded in the clashes since January 28.

In response, armed STC separatists took over the government headquarters and other government buildings from pro-Hadi forces on January 28. Prime Minister Ahmed bin Dagher has accused the separatist forces of attempting to stage a coup.

On January 28, Hadi ordered his troops to cease fire and withdraw from Aden after a meeting held with the Saudi-led coalition forces.

Advice

The security environment in Yemen remains complex. Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.