A joint Saudi-Emirati military delegation has arrived in the Yemeni city of Aden to discuss ways to ease rising tensions in the south, according to media reports. The visit comes days after Yemen’s main southern separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), claimed it had taken broad control across southern Yemen. Yemen’s internationally recognised government yesterday said that 32 security personnel were killed and 45 wounded in the eastern province of Hadhramaut attacks by STC-affiliated groups, the state news agency reported.

The separatist group said its takeover includes the eastern provinces of Hadhramaut and Mahra, adding that it now has a presence across all eastern parts of southern Yemen, including Aden, the base of the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government. The talks in Aden are expected to focus on reversing recent unilateral actions, including the withdrawal of forces brought in from outside the eastern provinces. The Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the United Arab Emirates, has been at odds with Yemen’s internationally recognised government and seeks independence for southern Yemen.