The Southern Transitional Council urged its supporters in Aden and southern Yemeni provinces to stage a rally in the temporary capital on Thursday in an apparent show of its popularity ahead of an expected Saudi-hosted dialogue with the legitimate government.
The talks are aimed at easing tensions in Aden and uniting ranks to confront the Iran-backed Houthi militias’ agenda in the war-torn country.
Officials in Aden warned to Asharq Al-Awsat that services in the city were on the verge of coming to a halt in coming days after government officials departed the area in wake of the clashes with the STC.
The STC, headed by Aidaroos al-Zubaidi, assumed control of public institutions after four days of fighting against government forces.
The government deemed the unrest a coup against it.
The violence in Aden died down after Saudi Arabia’s decisive intervention. The Saudi-led Arab coalition had called for an end to hostilities and withdrawal of the STC. It urged the rival parties to join the upcoming Riyadh-hosted dialogue.
Despite the return of calm in the city, the properties of government officials are being looted. The Interior Ministry said it is coordinating with local authorities and liberated areas to preserve security.
An STC delegation is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for talks with the legitimate government on reaching long-term solutions to the crisis.
Observers speculated that the STC may be merged with the government in order to unite ranks to combat the Houthi-Iranian agenda in Yemen.
