UAE-backed separatists withdraw from key Yemeni city after Saudi strikes

UAE-backed Southern Transitional Forces (STC) have withdrawn from the key Yemeni city of Mukalla following Saudi Arabian air strikes on their positions. The Saudi-backed Nation’s Shield Forces (NSF) subsequently announced they had regained full control of the entire Hadhramaut province. The NSF provided a safe corridor for the STC fighters to retreat towards Aden, reversing the separatists' recent territorial gains. This development highlights a significant escalation in the conflict between the two formerly allied factions within the anti-Houthi coalition.